Europe’s democratic responsibility
The world around us is changing rapidly. The international order that shaped the past decades is under pressure. Our historic American ally has become far less reliable — at least until the November midterms — global tensions are multiplying, and authoritarian regimes are becoming more aggressive and more self-confident.
Democracy itself is weaker than it was only a few years ago. Across the world — and also in Europe — liberal democracy, the rule of law, independent media and fundamental freedoms are increasingly being challenged.
This is why Europe now has a new responsibility. It must become the leading global democratic power, able to defend freedom, pluralism and the rule of law. As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently said, the international order must be rebuilt starting from Europe. For European Democrats, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity: Europe must lead, protect and inspire.
Hungary shows that, even after sixteen years of authoritarian drift, a country can return to the path of democracy. But it also reminds us that democracy remains under pressure everywhere: in EU countries such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic, in candidate countries such as Serbia and Turkey, and in Georgia, where the democratic flame is close to being extinguished.
This is where the European Democratic Party will focus its energy in the coming months: defending democracy, strengthening the European centre, and supporting those who choose freedom over fear.
Hungary: a turning point for Europe
Hungary has been at the heart of our political action in recent months. On 13 April, the EDP welcomed the historic defeat of Viktor Orbán’s model as a turning point not only for Hungary, but for Europe as a whole. EDP Secretary-General and Renew Europe MEP SandroGozi described it as the end of a political cycle built on the erosion of the rule of law, the control of pluralism and permanent confrontation with Europe.
This political moment came after months of strong EDP engagement in Hungary. On 20 March, Sandro Gozi and EDP MEP Yvan Verougstraete called for stronger EU action against Orbán’s authoritarian model, warning that the Hungarian case was no longer only a national problem, but a direct threat to Europe’s unity and credibility.
On 2 April, in Budapest, Sandro Gozi, Péter Márki-Zay and historian Stefano Bottoni took part in the European Democrats’ conference “Ruszkik haza! – Defending Democracy, Strengthening Europe”, focused on democracy, the rule of law and Hungary’s European future.
In the previous months, the EDP had also stood alongside its new Hungarian member party, Mindenki Magyarországa Néppárt, led by Péter Márki-Zay, calling on the European Commission to act against alleged illegal state aid in Hungary’s media market. For us, media freedom is not an abstract principle: without independent journalism and fair competition, citizens cannot make free political choices.
Hungary proves that authoritarian systems can be defeated. But it also proves that Europe must remain vigilant, courageous and ready to act. Above all, Europe must build the safeguards needed to ensure that, should another Orbán ever emerge, he would not be able to weaken a democracy from within or blackmail the European Union.
Serbia: Europe must not look away
Serbia has become another central front in the defence of democracy. On 28 March, in Paris, the EDP organised a major event on Serbia, Europe and democracy, bringing together representatives of Serbia’s democratic opposition and members of the Renew family.
Sandro Gozi and Frédéric Petit, Deputy Vice-Secretary General of the EDP, reaffirmed a clear message: Serbia’s future is in Europe, but only through democracy, the rule of law, free elections and independent institutions.
On 9 April, Sandro Gozi and Green MEP Vladimir Prebilič issued an urgent call for EU action on democratic backsliding in Serbia.
They warned against pressure on universities, attacks on students and academics, and the deterioration of fundamental rights. They called for a firm European response, including the suspension of EU funds until concrete and verifiable reforms are implemented.
This is precisely the path later taken by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, whose decision to suspend funds was welcomed by the European Democrats as a necessary and positive step.
On 14 April, after President Aleksandar Vučić publicly attacked the EDP, Sandro Gozi challenged him to a live televised debate. Vučić first accepted, then avoided the confrontation. For us, this episode says a lot: democracy also means having the courage to debate openly and answer difficult questions.
The EDP will continue to stand alongside Serbian citizens, students, academics and democratic forces fighting for a genuinely European future.
Lukas Sieper joins the EDP family
On 9 April, the EDP welcomed German MEP Lukas Sieper and the Partei des Fortschritts. This accession strengthens our presence in Germany and gives new momentum to the pro-European, progressive and reformist centre.
In a political landscape increasingly marked by polarisation and populism, Lukas Sieper’s decision sends an important signal: a new generation is choosing a modern, democratic and pragmatic path.
With this accession, the German delegation within the EDP rises to four members. It is a concrete step forward for our political family and for all those who believe that Europe needs a stronger centre: liberal, democratic, socially responsible and clearly opposed to both nationalism and extremism.
Turkey — defending democratic opposition
As European Democrats, we have repeatedly denounced the proceedings against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and the latest pressure on the CHP as serious attacks on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Turkey. The EDP will continue to stand alongside those fighting for a democratic future in the country.
Cyprus — ALMA enters Parliament
The European Democrats warmly congratulate Odysseas Michaelides and ALMA – Citizens for Cyprus on winning four seats in the recent parliamentary elections. Ahead of the vote, EDP Secretary-General Sandro Gozi had sent a message of encouragement to ALMA’s meeting, supporting its reformist, democratic and pro-European path.
North America — strengthening ties among democrats
In May, EDP Secretary-General and Renew Europe MEP Sandro Gozi travelled to the United States as part of his parliamentary activity, before attending the Global Progress Action Summit in Toronto. There, he joined a panel on the protection of minors online and digital platform regulation, in a wider context of strengthening alliances with and among democrats, and also attended the keynote speech by former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Greece and Malta — strengthening the European democratic centre
On 7 February, EDP Secretary-General and Renew Europe MEP Sandro Gozi took part in the Athens Congress of Democrats – Progressive Centre, led by Stefanos Kasselakis, reaffirming the EDP’s commitment to a modern, pro-European and progressive centre in Greece. On 28 February, the EDP also participated in the Congress of Momentum in Malta. Following its promising result in the elections held on 30 May, the European Democrats warmly reaffirm their support for Momentum and its liberal, democratic and pro-European voice, which remains essential to strengthening transparency, good governance and political pluralism in Malta.
Germany — freedom of expression in focus
On 30 March, in Prüm, Germany, EDP MEP Joachim Streit hosted an event on freedom of expression, democracy and the need for a stronger political vision for Europe. The event gathered more than 400 participants and featured philosopher Richard David Precht as guest speaker.
Save the date: EDP Congress
The next major appointment for our political family will be the EDP Congress, on 23–24 October 2026, to discuss the future of our movement and Europe’s role in defending freedom, democracy and the rule of law. More details will follow!
In a world where authoritarianism is on the rise, European Democrats have a clear mission: to make Europe stronger, freer and more democratic.
See you!
