Stockholm, June 22, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

The Common Ground Initiative Launches at Almedalen to strengthen the public discourse on democracy, trust, and open societies

The Common Ground Initiative will launch at Almedalen 2026 as a civic platform for strengthening democratic dialogue, public trust and open societies at a time of rising uncertainty, disinformation and polarisation. Through facts, dialogue and collaboration, the initiative aims to help bridge the gap between democratic values and practical action — making shared principles easier to understand, communicate and apply.

Launched during Almedalen, Common Ground brings together communication, knowledge-sharing and dialogue around a more fact-based, future-oriented conversation about democracy, Europe’s role in the world and the value of open societies.

Common Ground is built on a simple idea: democracy needs more spaces where people, organisations and perspectives can come together around what strengthens trust and long-term societal resilience. At a time when simplified messages and misleading narratives often gain significant attention, the initiative seeks to create room for a more nuanced, evidence-based and constructive public conversation.

Its purpose is to make the value of democratic institutions, open societies and international cooperation more tangible, relevant and easier to rally around — locally, nationally and internationally. Common Ground serves as a shared point of reference for individuals and organisations committed to constructive dialogue, stronger trust and a more collaborative public sphere, as well as a starting point for action.

“We want to contribute to a more constructive and confident conversation about why democracy and open societies matter. Common Ground is designed to bring together voices, perspectives and initiatives that strengthen trust, dialogue and long-term democratic resilience,” says Anna Celay, one of the initiators.

Seminar: On Wednesday, 24 June, Mikael Tofvesson, Senior Advisor at Cparta Cyber Defense AB, will lead a seminar on cognitive warfare and how trust in the public conversation can be strengthened. The discussion will explore how influence actors use information, fear and psychological pressure to create division and undermine societal trust — and how democratic countries can contribute through clear communication, collaboration and a deeper understanding of how trust and resilience are built in practice.

In connection with the seminar, Common Ground will be presented as an example of how insights about democracy, trust and resilience can be translated into collaboration, clearer communication and concrete action, with democratic principles as a shared foundation.

Time and venue:
Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 10:00 AM
Geopolitical Garden, Hamngatan 1, Venue 417

For more information, please contact:
Anna Celay, Spine Consulting, anna@spineconsulting.se, +46 706 356597
Angelica Stebrant, Press contact, +1 communication agency, angelica.stebrant@plus1.se,
Tel: +46 70 2303143 

About Common Ground
Common Ground is a civic approach and initiative to strengthen public discourse around democracy, trust and open societies. It is also intended to serve as a shared point of reference — a simple and recognisable expression of cooperation, mutual respect and constructive action. Through clearer communication, knowledge-sharing, dialogue and collaboration, the initiative seeks to bring together individuals and organisations around a more fact-based, inclusive and forward-looking democratic conversation.

Common Ground reflects values shared across the 27 EU countries, along with Norway, the UK, Canada, Ukraine, Switzerland, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Taiwan and Moldova — and counting. www.commonground.host