Democracy in Central & Eastern Europe Focus of Upcoming Helsinki Commission Briefing

WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following briefing:

DEMOCRACY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: RENEWING THE PROMISE OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Capitol Visitors Center Room SVC-215

Live Webcast: www.facebook.com/HelsinkiCommission

In 1990, at a moment of historic transition, the countries of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe adopted a watershed agreement recognizing the relationship between political pluralism and market economies. To advance both, they committed to fundamental principles regarding democracy, free elections, and the rule of law. In recent years, however, concerns have emerged about the health of the democratic transition in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the face of ongoing governance challenges and persistent corruption. At this briefing, speakers will examine the current state of democracy in Central and Eastern Europe and analyze efforts to address the region's challenges.  They will also discuss the declaration adopted on June 1 by civil society representatives, members of business communities, and others, which seeks to reinvigorate the region's democratic trajectory, support democratic and economic reform, and strengthen the transatlantic partnership. The following panelists are scheduled to speak:

• Andrew Wilson, Managing Director, Center for International Private Enterprise
• Peter Golias, Director, Institute for Economic and Social Reforms, Slovakia
• Andras Loke, Chair, Transparency International, Hungary
• Marek Tatala, Vice-President, Civil Development Forum, Poland

Additional comments will be provided by:

• Jan Surotchak, Regional Director for Europe, International Republican Institute
• Jonathan Katz, Senior Resident Fellow, German Marshall Fund