While democracy seems to be a theoretical given, it appears that, even in Europe, there is a real and present danger for the stability and viability of this regime, taking various forms from attacks on the independence of the judiciary, to interferences with freedom of expression and fair elections. Added to these worrying trends, is the challenge to international law and international organisations, whose legitimacy is more and more contested. Block 1 seeks to identify the risks and analyse international and European rules and best practices and to reflect on new ways for ensuring compliance with them.