On the eve of Defend Democracy’s fifth anniversary*, we are thrilled to welcome new members to our Board and to our Advisory Board and to join the Steering Group of Netherlands’ Democracy Coalition.

Alice Stollmeyer, our Founder and Executive Director, said:

“Five years after being founded, our work has lost none of its relevance. If anything, our mission has become even more urgent. We need a European awakening of democracy. We must fight for democracy more than ever. Because the question now is really: sovereignty or submission.”

New Board members

Defend Democracy is expanding its Board to reflect the growing challenges to democracy. Our Board is part of a three-tier governance structure: Management, Board, and Advisory Board, which helps deliver moral purpose, strategic focus, and operational efficiency.

New Board member Ton Zijlstra said:

“I see my – usually invisible – work in technology as pro-democracy activism, my focus being on how it provides agency. Current times demand a clearer and more visible stance to strengthen democracy. It is therefore an honour to join Defend Democracy’s Board as its treasurer.”

New Board member Theo Meereboer-Necheporenko said:

“As the interim executive director of Loevestein Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site that profiles itself as a fortress for democracy, joining the Board of Defend Democracy comes naturally. The time to stand up for democracy is now.”

New Advisory Board member

Joining Defend Democracy’s international Advisory Board, which helps shape our long-term vision, deepen our technical expertise, and expand our international network, is Paul Nemitz.

Paul Nemitz was Principal Adviser on the Digital Transition at the European Commission and is a Visiting Professor of Law at College of Europe. He is (co)author of multiple books and articles about democracy, freedom and power in the digital era. Throughout his career he has supported non-profits, with a focus on democracy, technology, AI law and ethics, media and remembrance.

Netherlands Democracy Coalition

Defend Democracy is proud to join the Steering Group of the newly launched Netherlands Democracy Coalition. Defend Democracy will be responsible for strategic advice and oversight of the ‘digitalisation and media’ strand of this new coalition of Dutch democracy organisations.

New strategy and activities

Reflecting current geopolitical developments, Defend Democracy is updating its strategy. With its focus on building civil preparedness and societal resilience, our visionary program ‘Coalition for Democratic Resilience‘ stays at the heart of our work to strengthen and defend democracy.

A new era calls for a new coalition of the willing: of the public, private and civic sectors. “Defend Democracy!” remains our call to action to leaders and lawmakers, and a name that invites everyone to join us in standing up for democracy.

* Defend Democracy became a legal entity on 30 March 2020.

Defend Democracy, 2 March 2025