On Monday 21 September, people around the world will mark the United Nations International Day of Peace.

It is a timely reminder that peace is not simply the absence of war.

Nor is it something that governments and international institutions can create on their own.

Peace has to be built — through democracy, dialogue, solidarity and the willingness to listen to one another across borders and across differences.

On the International Day of Peace, it is our hope that a new Ukraine will emerge from the conflict, anchored in a new Europe.

A Europe that will be a safe place for human rights and democracy — at peace with itself and its neighbours.

Ukraine and the future of Europe

We do not know when or how, but we do know that one day the war in Ukraine will come to an end.

The aim must be not simply to bring the fighting to an end, but to build the conditions for a lasting and stable peace.

Across Europe in recent years, citizens, civil society organisations and political representatives have come together — in Skopje, Rome, Karpacz, London and elsewhere — to discuss the future of Europe, democracy, security and peace.

These conversations matter. The work of building peace does not begin only when the fighting stops.

The relationships we build now, the solidarity we show, and the democratic institutions and spaces for dialogue we sustain will all help shape the Europe that emerges from this period of conflict.

WATCH THE DEBATE AGAIN

Building peace together

The International Day of Peace asks us to imagine a world without violence.

But it should also encourage us to ask a more immediate question:

What can each of us do to help create the conditions in which peace becomes possible?

We can listen. We can participate. We can defend democracy and human rights. We can reach across borders. And we can refuse to accept that conflict and division are inevitable.

Peace is not only something negotiated between governments.

It is something we build together day by day.

Watch the full debate held at Europe House in London on 7 September, bringing together MPs from Ukraine and Britain and MEPs from France, Hungary and Finland.

We are publishing this newsletter to coincide with the International Day of Democracy on 15 September — a timely moment to reflect on Ukraine and the future of Europe.

More than 200 people joined us in London and online for Ukraine and the Future of Europe: Unity, Security, Democracy, bringing together parliamentarians from Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the European Parliament for an important conversation about Ukraine's future — and Europe's.

The event at Europe House was organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom, in cooperation with Westminster Alliance for Ukraine and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine.

If you missed the event — or would like to watch it again — the complete recording is now available online.

WATCH FULL DEBATE HERE

The debate explored European security and defence, support for Ukraine, democratic resilience and the role of parliamentarians and civil society in shaping the future of Ukraine and Europe.

For a fuller account of the discussions, read our report on Defending Democracy Global Initiative website below.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in London and online – and to all our speakers and partners who made the event possible.

Building support for Ukraine

Westminster Alliance for Ukraine is a flagship programme of New European People’s Forum, together with Media Dialogue and CIVIL – Center for Freedom.

It brings together parliamentarians and partners from civil society to strengthen European cooperation in support of a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine.

Our aim is to mobilise public and parliamentary support behind the Coalition of the Willing – the alliance of countries working to support the security, economy and long-term future of Ukraine as a free and independent nation in Europe.

We have held events in Rome, at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy, and in Skopje, North Macedonia. Further events are planned in Berlin later this year and Kyiv in 2027.

The future of Europe is being decided in Ukraine.

As we mark International Day of Democracy, the conversation is a timely reminder that defending democracy in Ukraine is to defend our rights and freedoms across Europe.

Support our work

Our Members help make programmes such as the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine possible.

By becoming a Member of New European People’s Forum, you can help us continue bringing people together across borders and working for citizens’ rights, democracy and a stronger Europe.

BECOME A MEMBER

Watch the full debate held at Europe House in London on 7 September, bringing together MPs from Ukraine and Britain and MEPs from France, Hungary and Finland.

We are publishing this newsletter to coincide with the International Day of Democracy on 15 September — a timely moment to reflect on Ukraine and the future of Europe.

More than 200 people joined us in London and online for Ukraine and the Future of Europe: Unity, Security, Democracy, bringing together parliamentarians from Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the European Parliament for an important conversation about Ukraine's future — and Europe's.

The event at Europe House was organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom, in cooperation with Westminster Alliance for Ukraine and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine.

If you missed the event — or would like to watch it again — the complete recording is now available online.

WATCH FULL DEBATE HERE

The debate explored European security and defence, support for Ukraine, democratic resilience and the role of parliamentarians and civil society in shaping the future of Ukraine and Europe.

For a fuller account of the discussions, read our report on Defending Democracy Global Initiative website below.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in London and online – and to all our speakers and partners who made the event possible.

Building support for Ukraine

Westminster Alliance for Ukraine is a flagship programme of New European People’s Forum, together with Media Dialogue and CIVIL – Center for Freedom.

It brings together parliamentarians and partners from civil society to strengthen European cooperation in support of a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine.

Our aim is to mobilise public and parliamentary support behind the Coalition of the Willing – the alliance of countries working to support the security, economy and long-term future of Ukraine as a free and independent nation in Europe.

We have held events in Rome, at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy, and in Skopje, North Macedonia. Further events are planned in Berlin later this year and Kyiv in 2027.

The future of Europe is being decided in Ukraine.

As we mark International Day of Democracy, the conversation is a timely reminder that defending democracy in Ukraine is to defend our rights and freedoms across Europe.

Support our work

Our Members help make programmes such as the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine possible.

By becoming a Member of New European People’s Forum, you can help us continue bringing people together across borders and working for citizens’ rights, democracy and a stronger Europe.

BECOME A MEMBER

Ukraine’s fight for freedom is shaping the future of Europe. What can Europe’s democratic actors do to help?

The second season of Eyes on Democracy opens with Ukraine — because what is being decided there will help shape the future of the entire continent.

Ukraine's struggle is not only a war for national survival. It is also a defining struggle for Europe: for its security, its democratic order and its ability to stand united against authoritarian aggression.

In the opening episode, Roger Casale, co-creator of Eyes on Democracy and Director of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, and Xhabir Deralla, journalist, human rights defender and President of CIVIL – Center for Freedom, are joined by Leena Maria Linnus, Minister Counsellor and Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom.

The conversation looks ahead to “Ukraine and the Future of Europe: Unity, Security, Democracy”, taking place at Europe House in London on Monday 7 September.

Together, they discuss what parliaments and parliamentarians, the media, civil society and other democratic actors can do to support Ukraine's fight for freedom — and how that cooperation can help shape the future of a new Europe.

The discussion also explores the work and future ambitions of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, as well as Xhabir Deralla's recent visit to Ukraine as part of the Germany-based Media Dialogue 2026 mission.

Join the conversation at Europe House

The discussion continues on Monday 7 September, when parliamentarians from Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the European Parliament will come together with an invited audience at Europe House in London for “Ukraine and the Future of Europe: Unity, Security, Democracy.”

Organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine and the European Parliament’s Office in Ukraine, the morning will explore how parliamentary cooperation can complement the work of governments in supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security and democratic resilience.

Speakers include Ukrainian MPs Lesia Vasylenko and Vadym Halaichuk, alongside Sandro Gozi MEP, Klára Dobrev MEP, Mika Aaltola MEP and Alex Sobel MP, Chair of the APPG on Ukraine.

Monday 7 September | Europe House, London & online
Doors open 8.30am | Discussions 9.00am–12.00pm

REGISTER HERE (ONLINE)

Tuesday, 24 February 2026 | 5 - 6:30 pm CET | 4 - 5:30 pm GMT

On 24 February 2026, four years will have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What began as a military assault has become a defining test of democratic resolve, truth, and responsibility worldwide. Ukraine continues to resist. The rest of the world faces a different challenge: fatigue, normalization of violence, disinformation, and the growing temptation of a false or imposed peace.

To mark this moment, we invite you to join an international online conference bringing together Ukrainian voices, independent journalists, analysts, and civil society representatives from across Europe. Contributions will connect perspectives from Lviv, Warsaw and across Poland, Paris, Rome, Brussels, London, and beyond — reflecting a shared European responsibility to confront aggression, defend democratic values, and resist the erosion of moral clarity.

Rather than a traditional panel event, the programme will feature short interventions and moderated discussion across three themes:

• the reality of the war and its broader global implications

• disinformation, hybrid threats, and the risks of false neutrality

• what must be defended — and by whom — in the years ahead

The event is organised within the Defending Democracy Global Initiative and hosted by the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine in cooperation with partner organisations across Europe. This moment is intended not as a commemorative gesture, but as a call to reflection, responsibility, and sustained engagement.

REGISTER HERE

We warmly invite you to join the discussion and share this invitation with colleagues and networks.

Partners

Westminster Alliance for Ukraine would like to thank our partner organisations for their support in organising this event including:

New European People’s Forum, Youth4Media-MediaDialogue, Civil- Center for Freedom, the Jean Monnet Association and Centro Studi Internazionale.

Sponsors

We would also like to thank the Ukraine British Business Council for their support in promoting this event.

Defending Media Freedom Starts in Eastern Europe

Sunday, 28 September 2025

Freedom of the press is under siege. Populist movements, disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech are undermining democracy, while Russia’s hybrid war continues to target Europe. Independent journalism remains our strongest defence.

In this special episode, recorded at the Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, on September 3, 2025, we present our joint declaration “At the Crossroads: Defending Media Freedom Starts in Eastern Europe.”

Together, we explore the urgent need to defend media freedom, resist populism, and build resilient media systems for the future of Europe.  

WATCH PODCAST

Speakers on this podcast are:

MIKA BEUSTER (German Journalists’ Association)

DR WOLFGANG RESSMANN  (Media Dialogue and NEPF)

ROGER CASALE  (Westminster Alliance for Ukraine and NEPF)

LINA KUSHCH (National Union of Journalists of Ukraine)

JABIR DERALLA (Civil) - Moderator

The declaration is jointly supported by:

Media Dialogue, the German Journalists’ Association (DJV), New European People’s Forum, the Defending Democracy Global Initiative, the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, and CIVIL – Center for Freedom.

MEDIA FREEDOM STATEMENT

About us

New European People's Forum is an initiative focused on defending democracy and human rights in Europe.

Our forum serves as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and advocacy related to these fundamental principles.

We are collaborating with Media Dialogue and Civil - Center for Freedom on the Defending Democracy Global Initiative.

To find our more and sign up for our newsletter, click below.

Subscribe to newsletter

Monday, 14 July 2025

In this episode of Eyes on Democracy, produced in the framework of the Defending Democracy Global Initiative, Roger Casale and Jabir Deralla reflect on the powerful signals from the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome.

Roger Casale, is a former Labour MP and founder of New Europeans (New European People’s Forum) was in Rome and spoke to many of the participants. In this podcast, he gives his first hand impressions about the commitments made and the strategic priorities under discussion.

“We must build on the solidarity shown to renew our democracies even in these darkest days. We must make both Europe and Ukraine, more secure, more resilient and better able to defend our common values and way of life.”

Jabir Deralla is an award-winning journalist and the fouder of Civil- Center for Freedom. He was awarded the Order of Merit by President Zelensky for his work in countering disinformation and Russian propaganda.

“With billions pledged, local leaders stepping forward, and global partners showing renewed purpose — this isn’t just about rebuilding bridges and buildings. It’s about restoring hope, dignity, and democracy..”

Join us as we explore how Ukraine’s courage and resilience are inspiring a broader global response — and what it means for the future of freedom in Europe and beyond.

WATCH PODCAST HERE

About us

New European People's Forum is an initiative focused on defending democracy and human rights in Europe.

Our forum serves as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and advocacy related to these fundamental principles.

We are collaborating with Media Dialogue and Civil - Center for Freedom on the Defending Democracy Global Initiative.

To find our more and sign up for our newsletter, click below.

Subscribe to newsletter

Huge congratulations to our nominee Anila Noor and to our partner organisation New Women Connectors on winning both the prestigious Climate Pioneer and Changemaker of the Year prizes at the P.E.A. Awards Ceremony 2025 which took place in London on 26 June.

The P.E.A. (People. Environment. Achievement.)Awards are the UK’s leading climate and sustainability awards. Past winners include Sir David Attenborough and Juliet Davenport OBE.

The aim of the awards ceremony, which takes place annually, is to recognise leadership, innovation, and best practices in the green sector, and to inspire others to embrace sustainability.

Anila Noor and New Women Connectors won the climate pioneers award for empowering displaced women to influence global climate policy through local leadership and equity. Anila was also singled out from all the award winners for the special Changemaker of the Year Award 2025.

Thanking the P.E.A. Committee after the ceremony, Anila Noor said:

“Every woman who dares to speak up. Every refugee woman who keeps going even when the system tells her to stop. These awards are our collective win.”

New Women Connectors (NWC) is a social change movement that advocates for feminist ideals, and is led by migrant and refugee women who share common experiences and strengths.

“We work on transformative policy making by breaking down the walls to exclusive policy spaces on all levels.” Anila Noor.

The PEA Awards were founded by Jarvis Smith of My Green Pod to support and encourage individuals and organisations who are working every day to make a positive impact on the planet and to identify and share best practice.

For a full list of the winners of this year’s P.E.A. Awards, please click below:

PEA AWARD WINNERS 2025

We are proud to work with organisations and people like New Women Connectors and Anila Noor and to have nominated them for the PEA Awards and we look forward to deepening our collaboration.

Europe truly needs the inclusive and innovative approach pioneered by Anila and her team in giving refugee women a voice in policy making in this case in relation to taking action on climate change.

About us

New European People's Forum is an initiative focused on defending democracy and human rights in Europe. Our forum serves as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and advocacy related to these fundamental principles.

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER

The Ukraine Recovery Conference is an annual international event dedicated to the rebuilding and reconstruction priorities of Ukraine.

This year’s conference has been taking place in Rome and New Europeans People’s Forum joined hundreds of guests at an event at the British Ambassador’s residence on the eve of the conference to pledge our support.

We were able to continue to build the international network of support for our Westminster Alliance for Ukraine initiative which we are taking forward with our partner organisations Civil - Centre for Freedom, Media Dialogue, the Jean Monnet Association and the Centro Studi Internazionali.

Thousands of international guests including Heads of State and Government, took part in the conference which spanned a huge range of issues from business, to human capital, local and regional development and EU reform.

FULL PROGRAMME

Meanwhile, as President Zelenskiy reminded us, the conference is taking place against a backdrop of further intense drone and missile attacks.

He welcomed and thanked the conference for the headline announcement which included a total pledge of over 10 billion euros ($11.7 billion) to support Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure and to aid recovery.

Addressing the conference President Zelenskiy said:

“We now need to build a coalition for recovery. Let this be the moment we start it. We know what Russia has destroyed, and we know what it will take to rebuild Ukraine, Ukrainian people, our lives.”

“Rebuilding Ukraine is not just about our country, it’s also about your countries, your companies, your technology, your jobs – the way we rebuild our country can also modernise your infrastructure and industries.”

FULL TEXT OF SPEECH

The EU was strongly represented at the conference with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, making a keynote address.

PRESIDENT COSTA'S SPEECH

In his closing remarks, President Costa said:

“Ukraine’s future lies in the European Union. The European Union stands with Ukraine – for peace, for defence, for reconstruction, and all along the path to accession.”

“Together, we can ensure that Ukraine not only recovers, but thrives – and in doing so, we will build a stronger, safer and more united Europe”.

About us

New European People's Forum is an initiative focused on defending democracy and human rights in Europe.

We work to promote these values across the continent.

Our forum serves as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and advocacy related to these fundamental principles.

We have recently launched the programme Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, together with our partner organisations Media Dialogue and Civil .

As a friend, we will invite you to special online briefing events including on Ukraine and other issues relating to the future of Europe.

Signing up as a friend is also the best way to show support for our work and contribute to our programmes and campaigns.

Become a friend

WATCH HERE

Once a year, our partners Europa Now organise a swim for Europe (the ‘Natalonga’) between the islands of Santo Stefano and Ventotene.

This year’s event which took place on 28 June was a great success with over 100 swimmers taking part in the crossing from the political prison island of Santo Stefano to the island of Ventotene - a distance of 1,700 metres.

Ventotene was used as an internment camp for political detainees during the Mussolini regime. The island gave its name to the Ventotene Manifesto, the first blueprint for a federal Europe.

The Ventotene Manifesto was drafted by Altiero Spinelli, Ernesto Rossi and Eugenio Colorni, and smuggled out of Ventotene by Ursula Hirschmann.

After the war, the Ventotene Manifesto became highly influential, particularly following the election of Spinelli to the European parliament. The Spinelli group is still the largest group of MEPs in the European Parliament today.

At at time when the idea of a free and democratic Europe is again threatened by right wing populism, xenophobia, disinformation and violent conflict. the Ventotene Manifesto stands as a constant reminder that the road to nationalism is the road to war.

This year’s Natalonga was preceded by a meeting on the main square in Ventotene. Tatiana Bucci, one of the last survivors of Auschwitz was the speaker and said this about the importance of Natalonga:

"I have always felt European. I am a child of Europe that has left behind the horrors of the 20th century. When I saw so many people of all ages diving into the sea in the name of an ideal to be defended today more than ever, I got so excited!"

If you would like to know more about the work of New European People’s Forum (NEPF) and our partner organisations such as Europa Now, please consider supporting our work by joining as friend.

Become a friend of NEPF

New European People's Forum is an initiative focused on defending democracy and human rights in Europe. We work to promote these values across the continent. Our forum serves as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and advocacy related to these fundamental principles. We have recently launched the programme Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, together with its partner organisations Media Dialogue in Ludwigshafen and Civil in Skopje.

Xhabir Deralla is a civic activist, journalist, and co-founder of the influential non-governmental organisation CIVIL– Center for Freedom, based in Skopje, North Macedonia as well as the Defending Democracy Global Initiative.

He is an outspoken supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russian, tyranny, aggression and disinformation. In 2023, he was awarded the Order of Merit by President Zelensky, for his contribution to strengthening intergovernmental cooperation and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Xhabir joined the board of New Europeans People’s Forum on 26 June 2025.

Interview with UKRINFORM

In a wide-ranging interview for the Ukrainian National News Agency, UKRINFORM, Xhabir sets out the background to his own commitment to Ukraine’s struggle for freedom as well as his hopes and fears for the future of democracy in Europe.

He also reports on the establishment of two new initiative involving both CIVIL and New European People’s Forum, namely Defending Democracy International and the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine.

“This isn’t just about territory—if Ukraine falls, we all fall. That’s the message that needs to be communicated clearly to leaders around the world,” Xhabir Deralla, Interview with UKRINFORM, 27 June 2025.

Read the full interview on the link below:

READ FULL INTERVIEW HERE

About New European People’s Forum - NEPF

New Europeans People’s Forum was formed in June 2024 as a merger between New Europeans International, a civil rights movement campaigning for a Europe of the citizens and Europe’s People’s Forum, a platform organisation specialising in deliberative democracy, bringing together over 90 national, technical and civil society organisations across Europe with expertise in organising citizens’ assemblies and other forms of citizen participation.

To find out more about our work and support our campaigns as a friend of NEPF, please consider signing up for as a monthly subscription plan:

Become a friend of NEPF

To subscribe to our free newsletter, please click on the link below:

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Find out more about our programmes, activities and events and how you can be involved

Thursday, 26 June | 16:00 CET | Online

On behalf of New European People’s Forum, we are pleased to invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

This year, under the slogan Shaping Europe from the ground up, we come together to reflect on our shared achievements, set priorities for the year ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to people-centred policy-making.

Our guest speaker this year is Xhabir Deralla, founder and head of CIVIL - Center for Freedom, based in North Macedonia (see below).

Xhabir will talk about his work as a civil rights activist and democracy defender and how this relates to the work of New European People’s Forum.

We will also present the report we published jointly with CIVIL and Media Dialogue (based in Germany), called Defending Democracy and Human Rights, based on the international conference we held together in Skopje in December 2024.

This is the first chance we have had to come together and update you following the merger between Europe’s People’s Forum and New Europeans International last year. We look forward very much to seeing you and reporting on progress.

Please register below to receive the Zoom link and the full agenda:

REGISTER

About Xhabir Deralla and CIVIL

Xhabir Deralla is a journalist, author, and human rights advocate with a focus on disinformation, authoritarianism, and hybrid warfare.

In 2023, he was awarded the Order of Merit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his efforts in countering Russian propaganda.

Founded in 1999, CIVIL – Center for Freedom is a North Macedonia–based civil society organization working nationally, regionally, and globally to advance democracy, human rights, and counter hybrid warfare and aggression.

CIVIL is recognized for its work in election monitoring, media literacy, and disinformation analysis, and plays a key role in promoting democratic resilience.

On 13 May, policymakers, security experts, civil society leaders, and journalists from across Europe will gather in Westminster, for a landmark event entitled:

Towards an Effective European Defence Strategy for Ukraine: Making the Coalition of the Willing a Reality

The event is organised within the framework of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine, a programme conducted by the Defending Democracy Global initiative.

This timely gathering aims to foster concrete recommendations and collaborative action to support Ukraine’s defence and democratic future.

We will focus on strengthening European defence capabilities, advancing peacekeeping frameworks, and countering disinformation and hybrid threats in response to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

The event will feature keynote addresses and expert panel discussions under the following core themes:

• Building a European peacekeeping force and sovereign defence capability

• Establishing a European Defence Bank and integrated procurement systems

• Strategies for countering disinformation and hybrid warfare

• Strengthening democratic resilience across the continent

The conference will be live-streamed on the YouTube and Facebook channels of CIVIL – Center for Freedom.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

The Defending Democracy Global Initiative was launched at an international conference in Skopje, North Macedonia, in December 2024 during Human Rights Week with the support of the Government of North Rhein Westphalia.

New European People’s Forum is a founding partner together with our partner organisations, CIVIL and Media Dialogue.

To support our work and keep up to date with future initiatives and events, please consider joining New European People’s Forum as a member.

Become a member

To find out more please contact us at:

info@defendingdemocracy.global

and/or

roger@neweuropeans.net

Integrating not only Ukraine, Moldova and possibly Georgia but also the Balkans into the EU would help prevent the creation of "grey" zones of geopolitical vacuum and instability in Europe's immediate neighbourhood.

Such grey zones could otherwise be exploited by powers like Russia or China to advance their expansionist interests.

Past enlargements have revealed a critical lesson: formal compliance with the rule of law and democratic reforms during the accession process does not guarantee sustained commitment once membership is secured.

The democratic backsliding witnessed in Hungary, Poland and less in other countries after their accession has exposed the inadequacy of institutional compliance mechanisms alone.

For geopolitical reasons we want accession to happen relatively quickly. This raises the urgent question of how to ensure that candidate countries not only adopt democratic principles during accession but maintain them as long-term commitments.

What we already have learned is that a mere prolongation of the time for preparations seldom offers stronger democracy standards in themselves.

It is now fundamentally about safeguarding democratic resilience in an increasingly fragile geopolitical landscape marked by internal challenges and cross-border tensions.

The EU has learned from past enlargements that ticking boxes on rule of law and democratic reforms does not ensure lasting commitment.

Democratic backsliding in Hungary and Poland has revealed the limits of institutional compliance alone.

The question now is how to guarantee that new member states uphold democratic principles not only during accession but also long after membership is granted.

Regional Challenges

This challenge is especially urgent in Bosnia and Herzegovina where deep-rooted ethno-nationalist divisions paralyzes democratic functions across the B-i-H’s three entities. 

In Serbia, where the government has resigned and the president considers his position against broad popular protests, there has been a backsliding of democracy and media freedom, and Kosovo’s status remains contested. 

North Macedonia has resolved its name dispute with Greece, but Bulgaria’s request to recognize a Bulgarian minority—and the lack of a qualified parliamentary majority to amend the constitution—creates further hurdles. 

Ukraine, under sustained Russian aggression, will likely start its accession process under ceasefire conditions and with contested borders.

Moldova and possibly Georgia face internal divisions along linguistic and ethnic lines, requiring targeted conflict prevention and peacebuilding strategies. 

For geopolitical reasons – security and armed forces, migration, geographical location and economic and political influence for the region – Turkish membership would be a very important step forward. Negotiations have taken place for over 10 years but are put on hold.

In its regular reports the EU finds that there are major problems in relation to democracy, the political Copenhagen criteria, lack of recognition of minorities and fundamental rights. A new approach is essential to move democracy forward for Turkey in a sustainable way.

Media Freedoms under Threat

At the same time, media freedom is under siege across the region. Public broadcasters and advertisement markets face political interference, independent journalists are harassed, and underfunded private media struggle to survive.

Low electoral participation and widespread public disillusionment further undermine trust in democratic institutions.

In this context, a citizen-driven, institutionally embedded approach is essential.

Democratic reforms must become a permanent feature of governance, not just a precondition for EU membership.

The Citizens’ Mechanism for Democratic Reforms in Candidate Countries – a new Paradigm

In 2024, the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) proposed a pilot initiative: The Citizens’ Mechanism for Democratic Reforms—a strategic complement to the EU’s institutional approach to enlargement.

While the European Commission and European Council focus on legal and institutional benchmarks, the Citizens’ Mechanism introduces a participatory, citizen-led dimension anchored in national parliaments, civil society and mediain both candidate and member states.

It is designed to ensure democratic reforms are shaped and sustained from within.

Democratic reforms must become a permanent feature of governance, not just a precondition for EU membership.

Key Features of the Citizens’ Mechanism

The Mechanism addresses four priority areas to help candidate countries meet and maintain EU democratic standards:

1. Participatory Citizens’ Assemblies

Locally adapted and CSO-led representative, deliberative citizens’ assemblies will be held at both national and multinational levels.

These assemblies will engage a diverse and socio-economic representative population—particularly youth—to discuss questions such as:

“What goals should our country pursue to better fulfill and sustain European standards for inclusive democracy and values before EU accession?”

These assemblies will identify and deliberate on key priorities for democratic reforms—particularly in media, parliamentary processes, and civil society and build on methodological principles inspired by the Conference on the Future of Europe and the OECD’s Guidelines for Citizen Participation

Results will feed into an annual forum to guide political reforms in each country.

2. Strengthening Media and Technologically Mediated Debate

There is growing urgency to improve citizens’ access to democratic dialogue. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has expressed willingness to support innovative, tech-driven platforms — potentially including hosted social media for democracy in candidate countries. Cooperation with the Western Balkans Network of Media Regulatory Authorities and the Council of Europe (CoE) should also be reinforced.

3. Parliamentary Cooperation and Legislative Follow-Up

National parliaments in candidate countries play a crucial role in translating citizens' needs into legislative initiatives for reform.

Through parliamentary cooperation and exchange of best practices with other candidates, member states, and the European Parliament, various tools can be developed to improve citizen trust and institutional credibility.

The democratic reform goals articulated by citizens would thus be transformed into concrete legislative and regulatory initiatives.

3. Support to Local Civil Society Organisations

Civil society organisations in each candidate country should receive support to design and facilitate citizens' participatory processes and deliberative dialogues. They would also help manage democratic debates in traditional and social media to maximize citizen engagement in identifying areas for democratic reform.

4. Annual Forum for Dialogue

An annual Forum for Dialogue would bring together members of national parliaments, the European Parliament, representatives of European institutions, experts, researchers, and specialized civil society organisations on equal terms.

This Forum for Dialogue would facilitate the exchange of experiences, research findings, and democratic visions, as well as consider recommendations from citizens.

The European Commission's Competence Centre on Participatory and Deliberative Democracy would also participate.

The inaugural meeting would produce a joint declaration outlining purpose and activities, with subsequent Forums for Dialogue evaluating progress and making necessary adjustments.

Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

In both the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions, democratic reforms must be grounded in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

The Baltic Media Centre offers relevant experience from its work in the Baltics, Poland, Russia, and the Balkans—employing a regional-national hybrid approach that has helped ease post-conflict transitions toward EU membership.

READ BMC REPORT

Toward a Comprehensive Framework for Democratic Integration

The Citizens' Mechanism, as reflected in the Europe’s People’s Forum’s  concept for the Center of European Citizens' Democracy (CECD), goes beyond traditional approaches by embedding citizen participation, parliamentary cooperation, and media engagement directly into the accession process.

This comprehensive framework recognizes that true democratic resilience requires not just institutional compliance but active civic engagement and ownership of democratic values and processes.

By addressing the complex democratic challenges facing EU candidate and neighbourhood countries through this multi-faceted, citizen-centered approach, the EU can help ensure that democratic reforms become not merely technical requirements for accession but enduring foundations for governance that persist long after membership is achieved or reforms have been made.

Our new report with policy recommendations is now available online following our international conference in December 2024.

The landmark publication Defending Democracy and Human Rights – Report and Policy Recommendations is now available online.

This 200-page report is a major outcome of the International Conference Defending Democracy and Human Rights in the Face of War, Nationalism, and Authoritarianism, held in Skopje on December 11–12, 2024.

The publication is available online and in print, and has three sections:

• Policy Recommendations – Spanning 60 pages, this essential section is divided into ten thematic areas. Each theme is presented with Context, Policy Recommendations, and Concrete Steps, Measures, and Actions. These recommendations are a must-read for political, social, and academic leaders—as well as those aspiring to shape change in their fields.

• Voices from the Conference – This chapter presents the keynote speeches delivered by prominent participants from across Europe and the United States. Their insights were instrumental in shaping the policy framework and sparking the creation of the Defending Democracy Initiative.

• Activities Report – A detailed account of the conference’s agenda and related activities, including workshops, press conference, and networking meetings. It also features a presentation of the Defending Democracy: 25 Years of CIVIL exhibition, as well as links for further research and engagement.

ACCESS FULL REPORT HERE

All content is available under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License, ensuring free access and sharing.

The publication is being distributed to key institutions, policy- and decision-makers, and partners around the world, with the goal of informing national and global strategies to strengthen democratic governance and human rights protections in times of rising authoritarian threats.

The project is supported by the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Implementing partners and co-founders of the Defending Democracy Initiative include Youth4Media and Media Dialogue from Germany, CIVIL – Center for Freedom from North Macedonia, and New European People’s Forum.

To join New European People’s Forum as a member, click on the link below:

Become a member

The European Gathering on Participation takes place every year in Strasbourg, organised by Décider Ensemble, a think tank that focuses on shared decision-making and stakeholder dialogue.

This year’s event took place this year from 17-21 March in Strasbourg and New European People’s Forum was delighted to be able to take part in the event.

The event featured over twenty online workshops organised by national, European and international actors in citizens participation, public participation and public consultation.

Innovative and inspiring experiences in deliberative democracy were shared with think tanks, professional associations and public bodies such as city and regional councils from France and across Europe.

For further information and the full programme, click on the link below:

DÉCIDER ENSEMBLE

To judge from the level and vibrancy participation in this well-attended and informative event, participatory democracy is alive and well in Europe, and has a promising future especially at local and regional levels.

New European People’s Forum looks forward to taking part again next year and to making a contribution by hosting a workshop there in collaboration with our partner organisations who specialise in deliberative democracy.

At the Annual Economic Forum in Karpacz Poland (often referred to as the ‘Davos of the East’ more than 6,000 participants from politics, business and NGOs came together in September 2024 to discuss the economic, political and ecological challenges of the present under the motto ‘Time of New Leaders – Shaping the Future Together’.

Moderator

Dr Wolfgang Ressmann, Founder, Media Dialogue

Panelists

• Mika Beuster, Chairman of the German Union of Journalists,

• Nino Zhizhilashvili, Dean, Caucasus University and TV journalist from Georgia,

• Andrei Bastunets, Chair, Belarus Association of Journalists in Exile,

• Jolanta Hajdasz, Chair, Press Council in Poland,

• Viorica Zaharia, Chair, Press Council Moldova.

The media and politicians in Germany are still not focussing enough on Eastern European countries.

In a joint declaration at the 33rd Economic Forum in Karparcz, Poland, the DJV and ‘Media Dialogue Eastern Partnership’ call for more networking with the region, but also more reporting on Eastern Europe in Germany.

There are important reasons for this, says DJV Federal Chairman Mika Beuster.

The media play an important role here. After all, it is journalists who will play a key role in shaping the future. In Germany, too, we should look eastwards with an open mind more often. Our future could depend on it.

In a panel discussion at the forum, we jointly shed light on the situation.

They reported on the fragile situation for journalists in their regions.

For example, by providing independent information in war-torn regions with frontline journalism, as in Ukraine, but at the same time ensuring that the staple food of information remains available even in times of war.

Similarly in Belarus, where journalists continue to work from exile to uncover the machinations of the regime and the acts of violence, even though many of their colleagues there are behind bars.

Or in Georgia, where a new law modelled on the Russian model is exerting pressure on civil society and journalists.

Or in the Republic of Moldova, where colleagues are fighting against Russian hybrid warfare with misinformation, propaganda and attempts at destabilisation.

As Chairman of the DJV, I have emphasised that independent journalism is the sine qua non for free societies. We need to look more to the East, expand networks, strengthen each other and network.

Our freedom in Western Europe is not only defended by weapons. We need resilient media systems, independent journalism and legal frameworks that guarantee this regardless of changes in government.

Ressmann emphasised the importance of the partnership with the Polish Economic Forum, which makes it possible to address the issues of free media and freedom of expression in the countries of Eastern Europe in Karparcz.

In a joint declaration, the DJV and the ‘Media Diaolgue Eastern Partnership’ call for four central aspects:

• more freedom of the press in Europe,

• more protection for journalists,

• promotion of independent journalism and

• better linking of co-operation.

There are many other aspects we need to work on together. Promoting media literacy, for example, to make Europe more resilient to fake news attacks, securing critical infrastructure so that media can continue to do their important work even if they are targeted by (state) hacker attacks.

Whether we succeed will be decisive for the future, whether we can maintain our liberal societies in the West.

After all, the negative developments that can currently be observed in some regions on the periphery of the EU are pushing powerfully towards the West – because that is what the powers that be in Moscow and Beijing want.

28 November, 2024 | Royal Overseas Services League, London

At an international conference New Europeans brought together British and Ukrainian MPs and leading opinion formers to discuss the future of Ukraine.

Key themes of the conference included:

• Strengthening long-term security cooperation

• Ukraine’s pathway to EU membership

• Democracy, media freedom and human rights

• Reconstruction and the future of the Ukrainian economy

• Building a better future for Ukraine

To find out more about the conference including the full list of speakers, click below.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

The event was organised in partnership with The Economic Forum (‘Polish Davos’) and was the third in a series of outreach events organised by New Europeans on behalf of the Forum including an event in Brussels.