EDP at the Paris “Democracy and Liberties” Summit

Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the EDP, was another prominent voice during the event, articulating the party’s vision for a more integrated and resilient European Union. In his address to participants at the Summit, our Secretary-General Sandro Gozi articulated a compelling vision for Europe’s defense strategy, emphasizing that urgent action is needed now to make up for the mistakes of the past.

Here below is full statement: “The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients is coming to its close. We are entering a period of consequences.”
— Winston Churchill said on 12 November 1936. Today, once again, we are entering a period of consequences. But this time, nothing is clear. The world is unstable, the foundations are shaking, alliances are crumbling. Trump and Putin clearly agree on one point: the EU is an obstacle to their new imperialistic vision. «The EU was born to screw us» Trump said; The truth is: we have waited too long to do what we must do.  42 years: treaty of Maastricht enshrined the goal of a common foreign and security policy Or even 72 years: I refer to the major missed opportunity of the European Defense Community. We became experts in wasted time. We invented a political grammar of surrender: “Now is not the time,” “Wait for the next Council,” “Institutional reforms are impossible,” “One day, maybe, we’ll build something.” But while we waited, others built. Autocrats do not wait. They move. The European Union must become a democratic power.

It is time to act. We have the tools. Our treaties allow a group of states to move forward by majority in defense and security. Because it is essential to go fast now and strengthen our help to Ukraine. But without a structured and permanent governance, once the tensions and emotions are over, many would risk going back to business as usual. We know the lesson of history: Nothing is possible without women and men, but nothing lasts without institutions. And yes, nothing is acceptable without democracy. Alliance of democracies was a key goal in our electoral manifesto.

For us European Democrats, it is therefore very important to relaunch it today and to work more closely with democrats in the US and around the world. This is why we stand firm by Ukraine, together with our British friends. Because that means to fight for democracy.

Emmanuel Macron and François Bayrou are strongly committed to this fight. And this is why we want to unify the continent. But to unify Europe, we must reform our Union treaties. The status quo empowers those who wish to block all change. Today, to admit a new country into the Union, we must vote unanimously over 150 times! Do some maths: for 7/8 candidate countries, that means over a thousand golden opportunities for Viktor Orbán to block. Political Europe will not be born from soft consensus — but from clear courage. No European power without transnational democracy. No common security without European sovereignty. History does not knock twice.

We must choose. Now.

Shall we Be on the menu of Washington, Beijing or Moscow, or shall we make the menu — that is the question. A truly democratic and powerful Europe cannot be proclaimed. It must be built. And we must start now.

Key Conclusions from the Summit Declaration

The summit culminated in a comprehensive declaration that outlined several strategic initiatives aimed at reinforcing democracy and liberties within the EU. The following are key commitments that we at the EDP and our partners agreed to:

1. An Alliance of Liberal DemocraciesThe current state of liberal democracy in the world is dire. Out of 167 countries, less than 45% are democracies and 55% are semi or full authoritarian regimes. We will do our utmost to tip the balance the other way. We are resolved to ally Liberal Democracies worldwide.
2. Ensure Long-lasting Peace and ProsperityLong-lasting peace is our paramount political objective and the cornerstone of global stability. However, peace cannot be achieved at any cost. The conditions for peace must respect fundamental rights and uphold the territorial sovereignty of nations and their citizens. Economic growth and energy independence are also key components of a peaceful and prosperous Europe.
3. Build a true European defenceEurope must take responsibility for its own security. We call for a robust European defence framework, including increased defence spending of at least 3% of GDP by Member States. We also welcome discussions on the widening of France’s nuclear deterrence to other European countries to enhance collective security.
4. Support Ukraine for as long as it takesUkraine embodies the struggle for freedom and democracy. We call for the establishment of legal and financial mechanisms to use frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction. We also urge accelerated accession talks for Ukraine’s EU membership and increased integration in key areas such as the European defence industrial base.
5. Defend Human Rights everywhereWe commit to promoting democratic values and human rights both within Europe and worldwide. We condemn authoritarian regimes, call for free and fair elections in Belarus, and reaffirm support for democratic movements in Georgia, Moldova, and beyond.
6. Mend MultilateralismThe post-war order of multilateralism is under strain, but international cooperation remains vital. We call for a reinvention of multilateralism, including the elevation of the Euro as a reserve currency to strengthen Europe’s economic resilience. Collective action is essential in tackling global challenges such as climate change, security threats, and economic instability.

Looking Ahead

The “Democracy and Liberties Summit” in Paris marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reinforce democratic values within the European Union. The EDP’s instrumental role in this initiative reflects its steadfast commitment to fostering a united, resilient, and democratic Europe. As the EU navigates complex challenges, the EDP remains dedicated to translating the summit’s conclusions into tangible actions that uphold and advance the liberties of all European citizens and empower our democratic institutions.

Our EDP Delegation to the Summit

Oihane AGIRREGOITIA MARTINEZ, Basque Country Spain

Arnold CASSOLA, Malta

Radimir CACIC, Croatia

François DECOSTER, France

Mauro DEL BARBA, Italy

Engin EROGLU, Germany

Sandro GOZI, France

Ismael NUINO, Belgium

Teva ROHFRITSCH, France

Ivan SCALFAROTTO, Italy

Stefanos KASSELAKIS, Greece

Paweł PISKORSKI, Poland

Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE Belgium