A democracy is more than the sum of its institutions. A healthy democracy depends to a large extent on the development of a democratic civic culture. The term “democratic culture” emphasises the fact that while a democracy cannot exist without democratic institutions and laws, such institutions and laws cannot function in practice unless they are based on a democratic culture, i.e. on democratic values, attitudes and practices shared by citizens and institutions. These include, but are not limited to: a commitment to the rule of law and human rights; a commitment to the public sphere; a belief that conflicts should be resolved peacefully; recognition and respect for diversity; a willingness to express one’s own views; a willingness to listen to the views of others; a commitment to majority rule; a commitment to the protection of minorities and their rights; and a willingness to engage in intercultural dialogue. It also includes concern for the sustainable well-being of our fellow human beings and for the environment in which we live.
(Source: “Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture”, The Council of Europe)
