At CIVIL’s international conference “Defending Democracy: Horizons of Freedom,” held in Skopje on 12 December, German Ambassador Petra Drexler addressed participants via video message, reaffirming Germany’s strong commitment to democracy, human rights, and European unity. Speaking against the backdrop of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and growing global instability, Ambassador Drexler emphasized that democracy is not an abstract ideal but the foundation of dignified life, peace, and freedom across Europe — a shared space that extends beyond the borders of the European Union.

In her video address to the conference, Ambassador Drexler emphasized the urgency of defending democracy and human rights in an increasingly unstable European and global environment.

Ambassador Drexler stated:

Dear participants, dear friends of freedom and democracy,

Although circumstances prevent me from joining you in person today, I would like to take this opportunity to send my warmest regards and to express my full support for the important discussions on defending democracy.

My commitment to our shared cause is with you.

We are living in a time of unparalleled instability and threats. Humanitarian catastrophes, wars, and conflicts are pushing the prospect of a dignified life ever further out of reach for many people. In Europe — a continent that, after the horrors of the Second World War, was long seen as a bastion of peace — war once again defines our political reality.

In our immediate neighborhood, Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine. This war not only deprives the people of Ukraine of their right to live in dignity and freedom; it also shakes the foundations of the European peace order. It powerfully demonstrates how fragile humanity’s achievements are, and how vulnerable the protection of fundamental human rights remains.

In times of crisis, we must stand firm in our commitment to defend democracy and the fundamental human rights that underpin it. These values are not mere abstractions. They are the bedrock upon which our societies are built, and they must be protected at all costs. Preserving these rights requires unity, strength, and resolve.

This is why we need a united and strong Europe — a Europe capable of acting decisively in the face of challenges. A Europe that is not only politically and economically strong, but also steadfast in upholding its core values of democracy, liberty, and justice. Our strength lies in our ability to act collectively to protect the freedoms we hold dear. This is what my country, Germany, stands for.

And when I speak of Europe, I do not speak only of EU member states. The Europe I refer to is a Europe of shared values — of freedom, democracy, and human rights. Europe does not end at the current borders of the European Union. Geopolitical tensions, security challenges, and economic turmoil do not stop at customs stations or border posts. Whether an EU member state or on the path toward membership, we are all part of a shared European space, shaken by the same forces.

To defend our democracy and fundamental human rights, we must invest in solidarity and cohesion across this entire space. Europe is more than a union. Europe is a community of shared destiny — a community that we must shape and defend together.

Defending democracy requires everyone who truly cares to speak up and raise their voice — governments, civil society, and the media alike. This does not mean we must all speak with a single voice. But it does mean that our voices — the voices of democrats — must be loud. Because even when we disagree, the combined voices of those who believe in democracy, freedom, and human rights create unity: a unity of resolve and shared responsibility.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to CIVIL and to all of you for your dedication to defending democracy as we continue to navigate these challenging times together. I wish you fruitful and meaningful discussions.

This article and refined transcript were prepared by the author with AI-assisted language refinement and editorial support. The content remains fully faithful to the original video address. All responsibility for interpretation and publication rests with the author.

Watch the full video from the conference: