Review of our political café on our role in European democracy & rule of law

Photo: (from left to right) Iris Vrolijks, Pieter de Wilde, Thijs Reuten, Elene Amiranashvili (FMS)

On Wednesday 17 April, politically interested people gathered in Groningen for an enriching evening of debate and reflection on our role in European democracy and the rule of law. The political café provided a stage for lively discussions and deep insights, with contributions from politicians, academics and civil society organisations highlighting different perspectives.

MEP Thijs Reuten, professor Pieter de Wilde and co-founder of Our Rule of Law, Elene Amiranashvili, led the discussion on the state of European democracy, the influence of media and Europe's position as a protective wall of our shared values. Iris Vrolijks, president of the Young Socialists, served as moderator of this panel discussion. In addition, Dengiyefa Angalapu, researcher at the Centre for Democracy and Development in Nigeria, delivered an opening speech on the global struggle for democracy.

The evening also offered ruimte for critical reflection on Europe's role as a guardian of values such as freedom, justice and human rights. The discussions led to concrete questions about the role of the Netherlands and other member states in strengthening European democracy and ensuring the rule of law. Is financial conditionality an effective means of holding countries like Hungary accountable for upholding democratic values? And how can we protect media freedom in Europe from increasing pressure and intimidation?

The political café in Groningen bood not only provided a platform for enlightening discussions, but also served as a call to action. It remindedthe remind us that democracy and the rule of law are not self-evident; they require constant effort and commitment from all of us. Let us continue the conversation, both within our communities and on the European stage, to continue building a stronger and more resilient Europe.

Save the date! On 16 May, we will organise a political café in Maastricht, building on what we discussed in Groningen, but also focusing specifically on Maastricht's role as a European city.