The Defending Democracy Global Initiative (DDGI) and its flagship programme, the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine (WA4U), have called on democratic institutions, parliamentarians, civil society, journalists and citizens across Europe to turn solidarity with Ukraine into sustained action.
In a joint press release published on 15 September, marking International Day of Democracy, the initiatives reaffirm their commitment to defending democracy and supporting a free, democratic and sovereign Ukraine.
“Democracy depends on people’s ability to speak freely, access reliable information, participate in decisions and hold those in power accountable,” the statement reads.
It stresses that independent media, active civil society, institutions that protect rights and space for disagreement without intimidation are conditions that must be defended and strengthened every day.
“Standing with Ukraine is a crucial part of that responsibility,” DDGI and WA4U state. “Russia’s war of aggression threatens the lives and freedom of Ukrainians and the principle that people have the right to determine their own future.”
The initiatives argue that supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations is essential to a safer, more democratic Europe. Their appeal calls for concrete action to support Ukraine, defend independent journalism, challenge disinformation, protect civic participation and insist on accountable government.
Under the message “Every voice matters,” the statement also draws attention to people excluded from public debate, those threatened for speaking out and communities living through war.
“Meaningful participation requires that these voices are heard and taken into consideration,” it says.
The appeal connects DDGI’s founding commitments in 2024 with the work of its partners and co-founders in solidarity with Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s aggression in 2014. It invites people who share these commitments to participate in future discussions and strengthen cooperation across borders.
DDGI was founded in Skopje in 2024 by CIVIL – Center for Freedom, the New European People’s Forum and Media Dialogue / European Youth4Media Network. The transnational, civil society-led platform works to defend truth, freedom and democratic resilience against authoritarianism, disinformation and hybrid threats.
Its flagship programme, WA4U, brings together parliamentarians and civil society partners to strengthen European cooperation in support of Ukraine.
CIVIL Today News Desk