Paris Declaration: Liberal Democracy Can and Will Prevail
Auteur : Catherine Laurence Martens-Preiss
Date :
Today, leaders from across Europe gathered at the Democracy and Liberties Summit in Paris to reaffirm their commitment to defending and advancing liberal democracy. Against the backdrop of rising authoritarian threats, democratic backsliding, and growing extremism, our political family stands united in the belief that democracy can and will prevail.
The Paris Summit was co-organized by ALDE, EDP, Renaissance and Renew Europe.
Speaking at the Summit, Valérie Hayer MEP, President of Renew Europe, stated:
"Democracy and the values that have maintained pace and prosperity in Europe are under attack, but we refuse to accept their decline as inevitable. Today, we send a clear message: liberal democracy remains the best system to protect freedoms, ensure prosperity, and secure peace. We will build a strong alliance of democracies, support Ukraine for as long as it takes, and strengthen European defense. It is time for those who wish to defend democracy to unite."
The Paris Declaration sets out concrete commitments, including:
• An alliance of liberal democracies to counter growing authoritarian influence worldwide.
• Strengthening European defense to ensure Europe can stand on its own in an era of global instability.
• Full support for Ukraine, including using frozen Russian assets for its reconstruction and advancing its path to EU membership.
• Defending human rights everywhere, standing with those resisting oppression in Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and beyond.
• Restoring multilateralism to tackle global challenges through cooperation rather than confrontation.
The signatories – including Gabriel Attal, Valérie Hayer, Svenja Hahn, and Sandro Gozi – pledged to take decisive action at the national and European levels. They also announced that the Renew Leaders' Summit in summer 2025 will further advance these efforts.
"At a time when the international order we once knew is under grave threat, we offer an alternative: a future where democracy stands strong. We call on all who share our vision to join us. We are stronger together as Parliamentarians with shared values. " Hayer concluded.
