The Civil Society Days 2019 will take place at a crucial moment for Europe, namely after the Sibiu Summit and the European elections and ahead of the constitution of the new European Parliament and European Commission. Current pressures on our democratic systems are threatening fundamental values (respect for human rights, individual liberty, equality, the rule of law) and the civil society space within the EU. The alarming consequence is an erosion of democracy and restricted civic space in several parts of the EU. At the same time, there is urgency of progress regarding the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future built on the values of solidarity and human rights, social justice, equality, democracy and participation, entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility. Against this backdrop and in consideration of the transformation processes the EU is facing, namely on economic, energy and ecological, social, and democratic and participatory level, this year's Civil Society Days will focus on 2 main pillars, democracy and sustainability, and will explore their links and interactions.