The Forum for the future of democracy (FFD) was established with the aim of strengthening democracy, political freedoms and citizens' participation through the exchange of ideas, information and examples of best practices.

 A multi-partner process aimed to strengthen transversal understanding of the issues under review and foster cross-sectoral approaches, the Forum for the Future of Democracy brought together high-level representatives of governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities and civil society with a view to strengthening democracy, political freedoms and citizens’ participation in member states.

From 2005 to 2011, it held 7 seven sessions in various Council of Europe countries, respectively:

• 'Citizens' participation' (November 2005, Warsaw, Poland);
• 'The role of political parties in the building of democracy' (October 2006, Moscow, Russian Federation);
• 'Power and empowerment - The interdependence of democracy and human rights' (June 2007, Stockholm, Sweden);
• 'E-democracy: who dares?' (October 2008, Madrid, Spain);
• 'Electoral systems: strengthening democracy in the 21st century' (October 2009, Kyiv, Ukraine);
• 'Perspectives 2020: Democracy in Europe - Principles and Challenges' (October 2010, Yerevan, Armenia);
• 'Interdependence of democracy and social cohesion' (October 2011, Limassol, Cyprus).

The proposals resulting from the Forum's discussions about possible future action contributed to enhancing Council of Europe's work and achievements in the field of democracy, notably the setting up of the World Forum for Democracy which takes place in Strasbourg once a year since 2012.