France, Sept. 15 -- As the UN marks the International Day of Democracy on Monday, the global body called for renewed commitment to civic freedoms - but fresh data suggests Europe, long seen as democracy's safe zone, is now one of the regions where those freedoms are most under strain.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)'s Global State of Democracy 2025 reportsays 94 countries - more than half of those assessed - have declined in at least one key aspect of democratic performance over the past five years.

It warns of setbacks in judicial independence, press freedom and electoral integrity. Those concerns were echoed at the United Nations.

Marking the International Day of Democracy, UN Secretary-Gener...