Dear ,
Is Europe now the leader of the free world?
For me, it is.
There, I’ve said it.
As an American living in Europe, I feel confident saying that the future of democracy is no longer in the hands of the United States. While the US stumbles, Europe, despite its internal challenges, offers important lessons in how to lead with democracy.
If you're reading this, you probably live in a democracy — and that's becoming increasingly rare. Because around the world, democracies are shrinking, and authoritarianism is on the rise. In the US, too, growing threats to democratic institutions are shaking the very foundations of a system I once called home. Europe, however, tells a different story.
After two world wars that tore the continent apart, Europe didn't collapse. It rebuilt itself on shared values of solidarity, cooperation, and freedom. Europe created the largest single market in the world and formed a peaceful union.
But it didn’t stop there. Europe also became a global pioneer in democratic innovation. From citizens' assemblies and participatory budgeting to the European Citizens' Initiative, it developed tools that put people at the heart of decision-making and brought democratic participation closer to everyday life.
Europe didn’t just survive—it reinvented itself.
Europe is the world’s biggest comeback in history.
The decline of democracy in the US is beyond a wake-up call. Europe must step into the void and set an example of what it means to lead with democracy and cooperation. That means upholding the values of freedom and equality. It means creating spaces where citizens actively participate, ensuring that democracy is not just a promise, but a practice. And it means showing the world that working together across nations, cultures, languages, and backgrounds is not only possible, but it’s the most powerful way forward.
On Europe Day, we celebrate the greatest comeback in history. We remember the sacrifices that made this transformation possible. And we look to the future, knowing that the story of democracy will continue to unfold with Europe at the forefront.
.png "Picture of Anne Hardt, Campaigning and Fundraising Manager, Democracy International")
.png?w=560px "Image of 2 people holding EU flag")
.png?w=560px "Image of Okinawa Love sign")
.png?w=560px "Image of a billboard in Vietnam")
