All around the globe, democracy is under threat and authoritarianism on the rise. The Trump/Musk regime openly states that the terms for global trade and exchange shall be dictated by the United States. They are aiming a big bazooka at the European standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. In other words: they seek to destroy our European Union. This includes Europe’s commitment to diversity, digital rights and fighting discrimination.
At the same time, Russia is interfering more aggressively with our elections, democratic processes and social cohesion. Not just by weaponising our digital platforms against us. From cyber attacks to economic coercion, from psychological warfare to strategic corruption and the sabotage of critical infrastructure: anything can and will be used against us. Everything is weaponised to subvert our democracies, including from the inside.
Will the European Union be swept off its feet by this hurricane? Are the EU governance structures resilient in the face of so much pressure? Will the European Commission and the Member States defend our European democracy and not give in one millimetre?
It is time we European citizens make our voices heard and speak out for Europe and for democracy. While in Georgia, Serbia and Turkey people have been taking to the streets for months in defence of democracy, while in the United States street protests were initially timid but are now rapidly gaining momentum, in Europe citizens have been fairly quiet. It is a good thing if we have so much trust in our institutions, but it is even better if we defend them actively. A mere ‘like’ on social media is not enough. Democracy cannot defend itself, we have to do that — on the barricades if necessary.
So let’s get together and give a loud and clear message in support of our Europe and our democracy! Defend Democracy will be organising various events, joining forces with like-minded organisations, and mobilising citizens for democracy. Join us!
We will start with organising a peaceful #HandsOff protest this Wednesday 16 April:
- urging EU institutions and EU countries to defend our democracy
- standing up for our European democracy while we still can
- a strong enforcement of our digital rights and our freedoms
- a strong Digital Services Act decision on Musk and Meta
Join us Wednesday 16 April 13:00-13:45 at Schuman (on the corner of Rue Archimède)!
Defend Democracy, 13 April 2025