Highlights:
– JEF Europe’s Democracy Under Pressure campaign turns 15 with an action week held on 18-25 March.
– The action week aims to support dissidents in Belarus and Russia, as well as spark discussion about the state of democracy in eight other European countries.
– Democracy can never be taken for granted, and the recent rise of authoritarianism in Europe demands strong action from both European institutions and citizens.
– The European Union must defend its core values both nationally and internationally: in the longer term, a democratic European federation can guarantee peace and human rights across the entire continent.
Turning 15 is already a remarkable achievement for any civil society organisation, but it is even more special for a youth organisation, as an increasing number of generations have been able to actively take part in its work. JEF Europe is holding its annual “Democracy Under Pressure” campaign from 18-25 March 2021. “Since 2006 we have given a voice to those who have been denied one, and we do not intend to give up,” says JEF Europe President Leonie Martin. The initiative provides an opportunity to condemn authoritarianism in all its forms, show solidarity with those fighting for freedom, and raise citizens’ awareness of the threats facing democracy in today’s world.
In recent weeks, we have joined forces with various organisations and activists from across the political spectrum. Together we believe in democracy and condemn the authoritarian and violent regimes of both Russia and Belarus. We have shown our full support for dissidents in these countries, including by sending letters to political prisoners. We call on everyone to join the shared fight for a more democratic Belarus. Our members and partners have also raised concerns about democratic challenges in Hungary, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Russia, Malta, and Turkey in numerous discussions. Although the campaign culminates in the action week, our fight for democracy continues.
The principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights can never be taken for granted anywhere. Democracy is not a permanent state but an ongoing process that we can all take part in shaping—whether by voting, demonstrating, or exposing fake news on social media. When democracy is under threat and the future of the entire continent hangs in the balance, we must act on behalf of those who cannot do so themselves.
The campaign was first held in 2006 in support of the liberation of Belarus. At the time, Belarus was considered Europe’s “last dictatorship,” and many hoped it would remain an isolated and short-lived case. In recent years, however, the democratic landscape in Europe and around the world has deteriorated as authoritarianism has grown stronger. Modern dictatorships have tightened their grip on citizens, especially during the pandemic, while countless stains have also appeared on the fabric of “stable” democracies. Insufficient pan-European measures to address economic and social problems have also caused fear among people. This, in turn, has created fertile ground for political cynicism, which significantly undermines Western democracy.
In this challenging situation, Europe is increasingly divided and unable to defend its core values internally or promote them in a multipolar world. If we want to preserve democracy for future generations, the European Union must use existing tools—and develop new ones—to protect our core values. A comprehensive and regular review mechanism for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights must be introduced in order to prevent future setbacks. At the same time, comprehensively advancing these values also requires global action. Nevertheless, even these solutions are only temporary measures. It is clear that the European Union cannot guarantee democracy, social justice, and peace in the long term without shared goals that ensure the rights and freedoms of all citizens are upheld.
Join our street and online activities in one of Europe’s cities from 18-25 March, and raise awareness on social media using the hashtag #DemocracyUnderPressure
JEF Europe
Young European Federalists (JEF) is a politically independent civil society organisation with around 10,000 active members in over thirty countries. The organisation strives towards a common European federation based on the principles of democracy and respect for human rights. JEF represents genuine European citizenship and seeks to promote greater youth participation in democratic decision-making. Although the umbrella organisation JEF Europe was founded in 1972, its various sections have been continuously active since the end of the Second World War. This makes it the oldest European federalist youth organisation.
For more information:
Diletta Alese, Board Member
Young European Federalists
[email protected]
Denis Shemyakin, International Officer
Eurooppanuoret ry
[email protected]
