LAST UPDATED ON 22 April 2026

1. Core Principles and Purpose

The Democracy Hackathon is a high-level milestone of the New Democratic Pact for Europe. Our mission is to co-create digital solutions that defend human rights, equality, and democratic security. We expect all participants—on-site in Strasbourg and in our digital workspaces—to embody the democratic values we are here to protect.

The Council of Europe (“Host”) is the Host of the Democracy Hackathon. The event is facilitated by Kreativdistrikt S.r.l. (“Facilitator” or “KDKT”). Together, they are referred to as the “Hackathon Organisers”. 

2. Standards of Behaviour & Professionalism

As the Council of Europe provides full travel and accommodation support, these standards apply to the Palais de l’Europe, all provided hotels, and transit:

• Inclusive Environment: Strictly zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, or discrimination (including on grounds of sex, gender, “race”, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, age, state of health, disability, marital status, migrant or refugee status, or other personal characteristic or status). 
• Professionalism: Participants must maintain a respectful demeanour towards staff, mentors, and hotel personnel.
• Digital Ethics: In line with “No Hate Speech Week,” communication must be constructive. Any tool developed must avoid becoming a vehicle for defamation, surveillance, or harassment.

3. Professionalism in Funded Spaces

• Venue: While at the Palais de l’Europe, participants must adhere to security procedures, room schedules, and Council of Europe property rules.
• Accommodation & Transport: Professional behaviour is expected at all times in the provided hotels and during travel coordinated by the event organisers.

4. Digital Responsibility and Privacy

Participants must comply with the Policy on the use of the Information System of the Council of Europe:

• Legal Compliance: All projects must align with Council of Europe standards, specifically the Convention for the Protection of Individuals about Automatic Processing of Personal Data (ETS No. 108) and the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225) and human rights frameworks and standards, including under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ETS No. 005) (ECHR).
• Data Discretion: Any sensitive data or metrics encountered must be treated with the utmost discretion and cannot be used for private benefit.
• Intellectual Property: Participants must respect the intellectual property provisions set out in the Terms and Conditions: Democracy Hackathon.

5. Grounds for Expulsion and Disqualification

The Host reserves the right to disqualify or expel a team or individual at any stage—including before travel—including on the grounds specified in paragraph 8 of the Terms and Conditions: Democracy Hackathon.

6. Financial Consequences of Expulsion and Disqualification

Expulsion or disqualification may result in, at the sole discretion of the Hackaton organisers:

• Immediate revocation of the invitation to Strasbourg.
• Forfeiture of all prize eligibility.
• Refusal of Reimbursement: The individual or team may be held liable for costs already incurred by the Hackathon organisers, including travel or accommodation costs.

7. Reporting (Speak-up Policy)

Any violation of this Code of Conduct should be reported immediately to the Kreativdistrikt Welcome Desk or the designated Council of Europe contact point. The Council of Europe maintains a strict Speak-up Policy to protect those who report wrongdoing.