A Vibrant Opening to No Hate Speech Week and the Democracy Hackathon
Strasbourg, Wednesday, 17 June 2026 — Enthusiasm, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose marked the opening day of No Hate Speech Week and the Democracy Hackathon. From the first arrivals in the morning to the evening briefing, participants, mentors, and distinguished guests came together for a day that unfolded with remarkable energy and ease.
Registration opened at 8:00 a.m., welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds who quickly filled the venue with lively conversations and anticipation. The official welcome session in the Hemicycle set the tone for the week, highlighting the importance of democracy, inclusion, and respectful dialogue. Soon after, at 9:30 a.m., the hackathon officially began, and teams eagerly launched into their first discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Participants spent the late morning working closely with mentors, whose expertise and encouragement helped teams shape their ideas. The atmosphere throughout the venue was one of creativity and cooperation, with participants exchanging perspectives and building new connections. A lunch reception provided an opportunity to recharge while continuing conversations in a warm and friendly setting.
The afternoon featured the official opening ceremony of both the Democracy Hackathon and No Hate Speech Week. A highlight was the address by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who emphasised the importance of democratic values and responsible innovation. Participants also attended the engaging panel discussion, “The Ethical Dilemma of Tech Innovation,” which brought together experts from academia, industry, and public policy to explore the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Another memorable moment was the conversation between Giuliano da Empoli and journalist Liz Alderman, which offered thought-provoking reflections on democracy and the digital age. The introduction to the hackathon challenges and participating teams further strengthened the sense of community and shared ambition that had been growing throughout the day.
After an afternoon coffee break, teams returned to their projects with renewed focus during a second round of mentor-supported working sessions. Ideas rapidly developed, and the collaborative spirit remained one of the day’s defining characteristics. Many participants also joined the informal networking fair, where conversations continued in a relaxed atmosphere and new connections were forged.
The day concluded with a briefing at 7:15 p.m., giving participants a chance to reflect on an exceptionally successful opening day and look ahead to the week to come. Smoothly organised and filled with inspiring exchanges, the first day demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse talents around a common purpose.
With enthusiasm running high and innovative ideas already taking shape, the Democracy Hackathon and No Hate Speech Week have begun on an inspiring note, promising an exciting and impactful week ahead.
Learn more on the New Democratic Pact for Europe website
Get ready for the Hackathon in June!
- Date: 17–19 June 2026
- Location: Palais de l'Europe, Strasbourg, France
- Costs: Travel and accommodation covered for all selected teams
- Eligibility: Open to residents of any of the 46 Council of Europe member states
- Language: English
- A €50,000 Microsoft grant to be shared amongst the winning teams, and post-event mentoring and implementation support will be provided.
Come to the heart of Europe and build the tools that will protect democracy!
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The Hackathon is organised by the Council of Europe. All rights reserved.