The democratic erosion in various countries in Europe and its neighbourhoods have brought civil society and policy makers from across the region to join forces and act together to defend democratic values, principles, and institutions. The only way to protect European liberal democratic values, the rule of law and fundamental rights is to counter the destructive efforts of populists and extreme nationalists parties.
On 11 October, we will gather in the European Parliament show our support for our democracies and introduce: DemoCrisis, a new civil society network that will support democracy across borders. The event will take place in the backdrop of a constitutional crisis in Israel, democratic backsliding in Hungary, and four days before the crucial national elections in Poland.
Join us!
16:45-17:00: Round up in Place du Luxembourg for the Democracy Rally
17:00-18:00: Democracy Rally with MEPs, civil society actors, and international singer Noa (Achinoam Nini)
Please bring your flags (Israel, Hungary, Poland, EU, rainbow, or any other flag that represents your democratic renaissance). Bring signs in support for preserving democracy. Bring musical instruments!
*18:30-20:00: Conference inside the European Parliament (JAN building, Room 6Q2)
- Hosts: MEP Roza Thun (PL, Renew Europe) & MEP Karima Delli (FR, Greens)
- MEP Marc Angel, European Parliament Vice President, (LU, S&D)
- MEP Othmar Karas , European Parliament Vice President, (AT, EPP)
- Video message from Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland, Nobel Peace Prize Laureat (TBC)
- Moderator: Dan Sobovitz, Co-founder, DemoCrisis
Session I – Grassroot action for democracy – lessons learned from Israel, Poland, and Hungary
- Jakub Kocjan, Board member & Campaigner for rule of law at Akcja Demokracja, Poland
- Ofra Kaplan, ultra-orthodox activist for human rights and democracy
- Talia Goshen, Founder of Free Israeli Arts
- Dr. Tamas Harangozo, Member of Hungarian Parliament (Socialist party)
Session II – Threats and opportunities in fighting for democracy across borders/ the role of the EU, diaspora and international CSOs
- MEP Danuta Hübner (PL, EPP)
- Achinoam Nini, international singer and human rights activist
- Mika Almog, actress, writer, protest leader granddaughter of the late President of Israel Shimon Peres
- Dr Maya Sion, Director of the Israel - Europe Relations Programme - Mitvim
- Benjamin Beeckmans, President of the Brussels Secular Jewish Community Center (CCLJ)
- Michał Wawrykiewicz, Co-founder of Free Courts Initiative, Poland
- Omri Preiss, Managing director of Alliance4Europe, Brussels
20:00-21:00 - Civil Society Empowerment and Networking Cocktail*
*Participation in the event is subject to pre-registration.
For security reasons, entrance into the Parliament building requires pre-registration. Please fill the below form with the information of the document you will carry on the day of the event - in order to secure your place.