Recognising the urgent need to strengthen the democratic security of Europe through non-coercive means, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe should underline the importance of soft power instruments – particularly arts, culture, education, and leadership development – as critical tools for reinforcing European unity, democratic resilience, and social cohesion.
In view of the necessity to address the escalating challenges of political polarisation, foreign interference, manipulation, misinformation, ideological fragmentation, and hybrid threats that undermine democratic institutions and democratic security, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive soft power strategy for European shared unity.
The Assembly should take the lead in advancing policies that strengthen the role of soft power as a pillar of Europe’s democratic security. Soft power plays a dual role: it can either unite societies around shared democratic values and historical consciousness or, if manipulated, it can contribute to division, radicalisation, and societal destabilisation. Therefore, it is essential to promote the responsible use of soft power as a tool for dialogue, conflict prevention, and the promotion of democratic ideals.
Policies must ensure inclusive access to soft power resources for youth, marginalised communities, polarised societies, and post-conflict traumatised populations, reinforcing democratic resilience, the rule of law, and social cohesion throughout Europe.
The Council of Europe, national governments, and all relevant stakeholders should be called upon to endorse and implement this strategic approach, recognising that soft power is a vital component of Europe’s democratic security architecture. A detailed framework for implementation and sustainable funding should be developed in collaboration with educators, cultural leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to safeguard Europe’s democratic future.