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Defend Democracy Dispatch
for democracy defenders
#DemocracyDrinks on Democracy Day

What better way to celebrate International Democracy Day than together with fellow democracy defenders?

Save the date: join our monthly #DemocracyDrinks in September to celebrate International Democracy Day.

Day: Monday 15 September, 17:00-19:00
Venue: BELvue Museum
Fee: please support Defend Democracy's work

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Defending Democracy
Landsbergis joins Defend Democracy

Defend Democracy is thrilled to welcome Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, to its Advisory Board. He is a leading voice on democracy.

'Born under Soviet occupation, he witnessed Lithuania’s fight for independence, led by his grandfather. As Minister, he positioned Lithuania as a global advocate for freedom, supporting Ukraine and backing democratic movements in Moldova, Georgia, and Taiwan. Since leaving politics he continues to challenge authoritarianism.'

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European Democracy Shield

On 2 July Defend Democracy joined a roundtable exchange with EU Commissioner McGrath to provide input for the European Democracy Shield. One of Defend Democracy's recommendations: align the EU's upcoming budget with the agreed 1.5% NATO defence spending to invest in values-based tech sovereignty and societal resilience to hybrid war.

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#DemocracyDrinks with Fabian Zuleeg

On 26 June, Defend Democracy hosted a #DemocracyDrinks with Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive of the European Policy Centre. Thank you to our guests for joining a passionate exchange about the impact of the new world order on democracy and the European project.

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Defend Democracy in the news
Allies Against Big Tech

On 20 June, Defend Democracy gave a key note speech to a gathering of over 50 Dutch activists, NGOs and techies.

How can organisations empower each other and stand in solidarity against online hate, harassment and defamation? 

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Defend Democracy at NATO Summit

On 24 June, Defend Democracy attended the NATO Summit Public Forum to discuss preparedness and resilience.

With others, Defend Democracy urged the NATO Summit: 

"At a time when the focus is increasingly drawn toward defence capabilities and military preparedness, we urge equal and sustained attention to and investment in the long-term work of building resilient, inclusive, and just societies."

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Cartoon by Bill Bramhall
Not spotted...

"... at the U.S. Independence Day party: Alice Stollmeyer, founder of Defend Democracy, who was invited but opted to boycott the reception... “Hoping many others will give similar political message: #HandsOFF Our Democracy!” she posted on social media.

“This is not about the people of the United States, this is not about staff members of the mission,” Stollmeyer told [Politico Europe] Playbook’s Sarah Wheaton (who was, alas, NFI).   “I cannot endorse the [Trump] regime by showing up at a reception.”

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Events

16 July: C4DR cross-party lunch on democracy, security, technology (invitation only)

15 September: #DemocracyDrinks - International Democracy Day edition at BELvue

October: Transatlantic Democracy Dialogue (invitation only)

November: conference Coalition for Democratic Resilience (invitation only)
Action
Enjoy summer with self-care

The most important action to take this summer: recharge.

Defending democracy is hard work, especially in 2025.

This summer, engage in self-care: exercise, eat healthy, sleep, meet with friends, enjoy music, read a novel, dance... 

Read about ways of doing self-care here:

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