For three days from 11-13 April 2019, the European Movement International gathered decision-makers, organised civil society, business, trade unions, influencers, activists and, most importantly, citizens on the beautiful Dutch island of Texel to celebrate European democracy. Organised within the context of the Alliance for Democracy and in partnership with the European Parliament, DEMOCRACY ALIVE is the leading European democracy festival.

Inspired by the Nordic tradition of democracy festivals, DEMOCRACY ALIVE was organised to encourage civic engagement and increase interest in European democracy. Bridging the gap between us citizens and our representatives, and reinforcing trust and optimism in the European project, we created a space where citizens, stakeholders and our elected representatives could come together and engage on the important issues of today.

DEMOCRACY ALIVE served to energise citizens across Europe and increase voter turnout in the 2019 European Parliament elections by promoting the #ThisTimeImVoting campaign. At a challenging time for European cohesion, this festival created an opportunity to come together and prove that European ideals can reach beyond the corridors of Brussels and are relevant to every single European in our day-to-day lives.

Our main stage hosted events such as interviews with some of Europe's biggest names, panel discussions with experts and stakeholders, comedy and music. Over 30 organisations held events in satellite venues and pavilions, ranging from discussions, debates and workshops to comedy, dance parties, and film screenings. Local food trucks and live music rounded out the festival village to create a community celebrating and promoting European democracy.