Defend Democracy Dispatch: news for democracy defenders

Defend Democracy Dispatch
for democracy defenders

Learn from Georgia, Serbia and Ukraine

Learn from the protests in Georgia, Serbia and Ukraine through personal stories about people power.

Join our monthly #DemocracyDrinks for an informal exchange with Kristina (Georgia), Igor (Serbia) and Liza (Ukraine) to learn from them about standing up for our freedoms and democracy.

Day: Thursday 22 May, 17:00-19:00
Venue: lounge of hotel Aloft (entrance: Rue Juste Lipse)
Fee: please support Defend Democracy's work

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Defending Democracy

#HandsOFF Our Democracy

On 16 April, Defend Democracy co-organised a ‘HandsOFF Our Democracy‘ protest. Across Europe, democracy is under pressure: from authoritarian influence, digital surveillance, disinformation, polarisation and efforts to silence civil society. Democracy won't defend itself; we must. With Trump, Putin and techbros teaming up, it is time we stand up to defend democracy while we still can. In her speech, Director Stollmeyer asked a poignant question:

"Since at least 2014 we are watching a coup against democracy unfold. It is the combination of hybrid warfare, rise of the far-right, and tech coup. How long can Europe hold the line if we don’t take defending our democracy as serious as defending our territory?"

READ THE FULL SPEECH

#DemocracyDrinks with US Ambassador

On 23 April, Defend Democracy had the honour to host a #DemocracyDrinks with former U.S. Ambassador to the EU Anthony Gardner. Thank you to around 100 guests for joining a passionate exchange about defending democracy, resilience, Ukraine, and the importance of standing up for our values — especially in a changing transatlantic relationship.

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Cross-party for democracy and security

On 29 April, Defend Democracy, under its 'Coalition for Democratic Resilience' program, organised its first ‘Cross-party lunch on democracy, security and tech’. The meeting was opened by MEP Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the EP's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield.

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Defend Democracy in the news

Weaponised tech

After participating as guest in a talk show about the impact of technology on democracy, Public Spaces interviewed Defend Democracy's founder Alice Stollmeyer.

"Foreign powers can weaponise digital platforms."

READ THE INTERVIEW

European security & role of civil society

At the 2 May hearing of the European Economic Area Consultative Committee, Defend Democracy shared strategies to combat disinformation and defend democracy.

READ

EU needs more courage on DMA & DSA

"While Defend Democracy welcomes this first step in enforcing the EU’s new digital laws, the delay and relatively moderate fines are disappointing. We had hoped for a stronger enforcement, giving a clear message that our Europe, our democracy and our security are not for sale. We need more courage and robust enforcement of European laws. The world is watching, and so is Defend Democracy.”

READ

Events

22 May: #DemocracyDrinks about the protests in Georgia, Serbia and Ukraine

3 June: C4DR cross-party lunch on democracy, security, technology (invitation only)

13 June: Conference 'Defending Democracy in the New Geopolitical Landscape: How to accelerate EU’s Preparedness against Hybrid Threats?' (invitation only)

Action

Take a crash course on dealing with disinfo

Don't take it from us, take it from an EU Commission expert:

"This article by ⁦Defend Democracy on basic digital literacy against disinfo should be printed and hung on the walls in every single household/ school/ workplace - and especially newsroom. Well done."

READ

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