How can we reclaim strategic autonomy, and why is this important for our democracies? To explore this together, join our #DemocracyDrinks for an informal exchange with journalist Dave Keating, author of 'The Owned Continent'.

Day: Thursday 16 April, 17:00-19:00
Venue: lounge of hotel Aloft (entrance: Rue Juste Lipse)
Fee: please support Defend Democracy's work

Defend Democracy joined the launch of a new multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to shaping a democratic, values-driven digital future for Europe.

On 19-20 March, 30 European technology experts, civil society representatives and academics co-created a shared vision for European, democracy-friendly technology. 

Defend Democracy founder Alice Stollmeyer joined senior stakeholders for an exchange on Europe's digital future.

"Digital sovereignty is a democratic responsibility. End-to-end encrypted communication and European governance standards are foundational to democratic resilience."

Together with over 60 organisations, Defend Democracy urged Cyprus' Presidency of the EU Council to table the (lack of) implementation of European Courts' rulings. We ask to commit to legal obligations, to restore the trust in the rule of law and prove that EU values matter in practice.

Just ahead of Consumer Rights Day, Defend Democracy joined over 200 organisations and academics calling on the European Commission for a strong Digital Fairness Act that delivers meaningful protection online for all, including vulnerable groups.

Defend Democracy joined dozens of organisations in rejecting the EU Commission's corporate-led deregulation agenda and calling on EU leaders to stand up for rules that protect democracy, people, and planet.

Encourage your employer to prepare moving away from US and Chinese tech. This is not something you want to have to do in a hurry as a reaction to geopolitics getting worse. So the sooner you start, even if it's just making a plan for your digital infra, the better. Then bit bit by you can transition as contracts expire or better tools become available.