Democracy

These disciplinary procedures are nothing to do with safeguarding judicial service standards but are an attempt to silence judges and ensure their submission to the Ministry of Justice.

Using tools as varied as cyberattacks, malign finance and information operations, Russian government-linked actors have interfered in EU member states. European democracies have mobilised to confront this challenge, but more action is needed – and fast.

Poland’s government pushed through reforms that rights groups said gave it more control over courts.

Watch again: Hong Kong chief 'sincerely' sorry — but won't resign

The flouting of European values that led to the Fidesz’s suspension from the European People’s Party in March has not changed. What has changed is that the outcome of the elections has made Fidesz realize that it needs to stay in the EPP.

The recent European elections show that many countries in Europe are struggling to contain the rise of far-right populist parties antagonistic towards democracy. In Ireland, however, democracy has a spring in its step.

Does increasing electoral system proportionally actually cause more responsive policymaking? If it does, do the benefits of a reform outweigh possible side effects?

The tyranny of the majority is precisely what happens when a democratic system is downgraded to majority rule.

Europe is popular again but if it is to stay that way, it needs to build its relationship with citizens on deeper foundations.

Has data-driven electioneering fundamentally changed since the [Cambridge Analytica] scandal broke? Or is it still business as usual?

"There are perceptions that are entrenched in societies, which hide the role of women and describe it in certain terms which suggest that a woman going out on the street, standing against injustice is ... heroic. However, it is normal because a woman is a creature with responsibilities."

Technology can play a big part in helping to create and sustain effective connections between citizens and governments – both national and local. These connections can exist without technology, but it is a powerful, flexible and accessible enabler.

The death of liberal democracy has been announced prematurely. But without efforts to counter populism and pessimism, it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.