Democrats Review launched in Brussels
Today at the European Parliament in Brussels, the European Democratic Party (EDP) and the Institute of European Democrats (IED) presented "Democrats Review", a new magazine dedicated to political ideas, rigorous analysis and democratic debate.
The project brings together political leaders, researchers, journalists, elected representatives, activists and civil society. It aims to complement the speed of political communication with the time needed to provide context, confront different perspectives and turn informed reflection into political action.
The first issue, entitled The Atlantic Divide – Uncle Sam, Are You Leaving Us?, examines the transformation of the transatlantic relationship and the responsibilities Europe must now assume. Its central message is clear: Europe's response can be neither nostalgia nor anti-Americanism, but the construction of a more autonomous and mature partnership between allies.
The issue opens with an editorial by EDP President François Bayrou, who stresses the essential connection between reliable information and democratic freedom. “Informing rigorously, writing and keeping civic debate alive: this is our reason for being,” Bayrou writes, calling on Europe to defend its humanist values and strengthen its dialogue with democrats around the world.
“We have never had access to so much information, yet we have rarely had so little time to understand it,” said Sandro Gozi, Secretary-General of the EDP and Member of the European Parliament. “Social media allow us to react quickly and reach millions of citizens, but democracy cannot live only at the pace of the feed. Democrats Review will give us the space to provide context, embrace complexity and connect communication with deeper political and policy reflection.”
“Democrats must become popular again without becoming populist. We must listen, respond to citizens’ legitimate concerns and prove that democracy can deliver — without inventing enemies or sacrificing pluralism and the rule of law. Authoritarian and illiberal forces already cooperate internationally. We need a stronger alliance of democrats in Europe and across the world, and Democrats Review can become one of its instruments,” Gozi added.
In a message sent for the launch, Enrico Borghi, President of the IED and member of the Italian Senate, said:
“We are living through a period of profound transformation. The three great revolutions of our time — the energy and ecological revolution, the digital revolution and the political revolution — demand a new Europe, capable of governing change and addressing its consequences.
“To achieve this, we must strengthen the political cultures on which Europe was founded and develop a renewed idea of democracy — one that brings European institutions closer to citizens, their needs and the future of their communities.
“This is why Democrats Review was created: to connect all those who believe that democracy is essential to building a fairer, more modern and more cohesive Europe.”
Also present at the press conference was Lukas Sieper, German Member of the European Parliament, who said: “This magazine will be bold in its character as a platform, not only for politicians at the highest levels of democracy, but also for people on the ground, such as Michelle Kahlich of the PdF, who is politically active and fighting for a better future for her region.”
The first issue gives particular prominence to democratic and rule-of-law crises. From prison, Ekrem İmamoğlu explains why the attack on political alternatives in Türkiye is also a threat to European security. Albanian MP Marjana Koçekure recounts how the defence of the Zvërnec coastline developed into a wider struggle against unchecked power. Serbian researcher Srdan Cvijic examines the « Vucic trap » and challenges the assumption that authoritarianism can guarantee stability.
The issue also includes The Analysis, a major contribution by Thomas L. Friedman on the erosion of shared truth, trust, responsibility and common democratic norms. A contribution from Venezuelan democratic leader María Corina Machado further strengthens the magazine’s international dimension.
Alongside major international voices, Democrats Review will highlight experiences from cities, regions and local communities: good-government practices, political innovations and perspectives from elected representatives, party members, activists, researchers and civil society.
The magazine will therefore serve not only as a publication but also as a working method for the European democratic community, allowing ideas, experiences and democratic solidarity to circulate across national borders.
Democrats Review is available at www.democratsreview.eu
