Democracy demands participation, courage, and constant vigilance. Freedom is never something we inherit permanently, it is something we must defend every day. And the warning signs are stark: by the end of 2025, 74% of the world’s population (around 6 billion people) lived under autocratic rule, with more autocracies than democracies worldwide1. Around the world, democratic principles are increasingly being called into question. When truth can be ignored, rules rewritten, voices silenced and people marginalised, democratic values are no longer abstract ideas. In their absence, our freedoms disappear.
This initiative is a reminder of what is at stake. It is not about telling people what to think, nor about pointing the finger at specific countries, institutions or individuals. It is about asking a simple question: when did we stop expecting these values from ourselves, our leaders and our institutions?
The EPD network believes that democracy deserves to be defended, strengthened and renewed, at home and around the world. Because democracy does not defend itself. We must all play our part and defend:
- Freedom of expression to uphold the right to speak, question and disagree without fear.
- Independent and pluralistic media, so people can access reliable information and hold power to account.
- The rule of law, where the law applies equally to everyone and institutions are independent from political interference.
- Free and fair elections, where citizens can choose their representatives and have their vote respected.
- Political participation, ensuring that people can have a meaningful say in public life, including young people and groups too often excluded.
- Equality and inclusion, because democracy cannot work when voices or communities are systematically left behind.
- Accountability and transparency, so those who exercise power remain responsible to the people they represent.
- Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the foundations on which democratic societies are built.
- Dialogue and peaceful disagreement, the ability to debate, compromise and resolve differences without violence or repression.
- A free and enabling space for civil society, so that citizens can organise, associate and act collectively without fear of restriction, harassment or reprisal.
Defending these principles requires more than words. It requires care, passion, capacity and action.
If we want future generations to be able to live in peace, stability and security, we must work every day to create societies based on equality and justice.
It’s time to take action.
Anu Juvonen
President of the European Partnership for Democracy