Defend Democracy

We #DefendDemocracy against hybrid & technological threats. Independent, nonpartisan, transatlantic.

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npub1mzefrd8mwdeqvys2u3e8aw0hql90fmdvdu0jzj0vh2t4k5hfhqpq6ru8q4

NIP-05 Address

DefendDemocracy@eupolicy-social.mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsd3v53knahxusxzg9wgun7h8ms0jh5akkx78epf8kt496m2t5msqspz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerfw36x7tnsw43qwl8fr9

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relay.ditto.pub

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npub1mzefrd8mwdeqvys2u3e8aw0hql90fmdvdu0jzj0vh2t4k5hfhqpq6ru8q4

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Last Notes

2026-10-28 10:46:03 UTC

European Committee of Regions welcomes the new European Centre for Democratic Resilience, but proposes to broaden its scope and mandate: "to include civil preparedness and societal resilience to escalating hybrid threats."
#DefendDemocracy #EUpol #EU
#nevent1q…neaj

2026-08-31 15:13:23 UTC

Steeds vaker bepalen een paar grote techbedrijven wat jij online wel en niet te zien krijgt.
🚫 Laat Big Tech niet kiezen wat je ziet.
✏️ Teken je mee?
✅ Dan vragen we de Tweede Kamer om in te grijpen.
https://campagnes.degoedezaak.org/campaigns/burgerinitiatief-big-tech i.s.m. @nprofile…hp78 e.a.
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2026-07-08 16:05:22 UTC

Great write-up of our #DemocracyDrinks exchange with political scientist @nprofile…8s2j
"Defeating the far-right is not enough. Unless the mainstream democratic parties not only deliver but also start to inspire."
#DefendDemocracy
https://voxeurop.eu/en/cas-mudde-defeating-far-right-social-democrats-young-women-voters/
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2026-06-18 14:52:04 UTC

As EU leaders meet at #EUCO today, pressure is mounting to roll back hard-won digital laws.
EUrope must not weaken its digital rulebook to satisfy the interests of tech billionaires.
This is the moment to defend democracy, competition, and digital sovereignty.
#DefendDemocracy
#HandsOffOurEU🇪🇺
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2026-06-15 15:41:52 UTC

Here is #DefendDemocracy's June newsletter!
📰 Read this edition: https://crm.defenddemocracy.eu/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=158&cid=2&cs=1caf27b9b90857ff6bd69d08f44f1ef2_1780912364_168
✏️ Sign up for future editions: https://defenddemocracy.eu/newsletters/
✅ Join our #democracy defenders & stay tuned!
https://eupolicy.social/system/media_attachments/files/116/754/880/227/279/359/original/8d99417c3d8d9206.jpg

2026-06-02 15:51:12 UTC

Tomorrow, the EU Commission will present its #Tech Sovereignty Package.
#TechSovereignty means investing in our own, democratic solutions. Not bargaining our freedom and #democracy away to U.S. tech bros.
Time to build, buy, and protect European, values-based tech.
Co-signed, #DefendDemocracy
https://greens.eu/eu-tech

2026-05-26 12:24:04 UTC

Milestone decision: Netherlands government blocks the US take-over of a vital digital tech supplier, citing "a possible risk to the public interest."
#DefendDemocracy
#TechSovereignty
#HandsOffOurEU🇪🇺
#nevent1q…2sta

2026-05-19 09:50:47 UTC

Europe's big #tech bet is only as safe as its #democracy.
"As a sovereignty project, #EuroStack has the best answer to external threats. But it has yet to address potential threats from within. What happens when the authoritarian is European?"
#DefendDemocracy
#HandsOffOurEU🇪🇺
https://defenddemocracy.eu/eu-tech-democracy/

2026-05-18 15:10:32 UTC

Here is #DefendDemocracy's May newsletter!
📰 Read this edition: https://crm.defenddemocracy.eu/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=155&cid=2&cs=aae761bfa625e7775cce5a4e3afae5fb_1778493157_168
✏️ Sign up for future editions: https://defenddemocracy.eu/newsletters/
✅ Join our democracy defenders & stay tuned!
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2026-05-14 16:00:41 UTC

#DefendDemocracy is member of the 'Democratic Tech Alliance'.
Yesterday we gathered at the European Parliament for a timely exchange about tech sovereignty.
We wrapped up the day with our monthly #DemocracyDrinks.
Thanks @nprofile…tk8a for the great write-up!
https://berthub.eu/articles/posts/democratic-tech-alliance-may-2026/
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2026-04-30 15:43:31 UTC

"AI is driving a major upheaval in politics that will alter the substance and the character of campaigns."
NYT extensively quotes #DefendDemocracy's
"Curated Reality: How AI Is Reshaping Human Agency"
Here's the original: https://defenddemocracy.eu/ai-human-agency/
And here's the NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/28/opinion/political-campaigns-artificial-intelligence.html

2026-04-14 15:35:12 UTC

Here is #DefendDemocracy's April newsletter!
📰 Read this edition: https://crm.defenddemocracy.eu/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=150&cid=2&cs=1609c499a21a64846db315392616842f_1776073932_168
✏️ Sign up for future editions: https://defenddemocracy.eu/newsletters/
✅ Join our #democracy defenders & stay tuned!
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2026-04-02 15:39:59 UTC

Great job opportunity: #DefendDemocracy is looking for a new Executive Director!
Deadline for applications: 1 May 2026.
Details & apply: https://defenddemocracy.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DD-job-opening-April-2026.pdf
#recruiting #jobs #opportunity
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2026-04-02 11:14:36 UTC

#DefendDemocracy is excited to launch a new phase:
We will shift our focus to contributing more concretely to building preparedness, resilience and tech sovereignty.
We also have a great job opening!
https://defenddemocracy.eu/new-phase/
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2026-03-27 16:14:07 UTC

Here is #DefendDemocracy 's March newsletter!
📰 Read this edition: https://crm.defenddemocracy.eu/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=147&cid=2&cs=cefb0650ccc56664b844ce693849cb5e_1773399382_168
✏️ Sign up for future editions: https://defenddemocracy.eu/newsletters/
✅ Join our #democracy defenders & stay tuned!
https://eupolicy.social/system/media_attachments/files/116/302/022/020/710/102/original/0a82e627eb90a4c6.jpg

2026-03-23 17:01:22 UTC

How to stop #deepfake scams? Thrilled to host Dr. Anya Schiffrin to discuss #tech 's impact on democracy, media and the growing problem of #AI- enabled financial #fraud.
Honoured to welcome Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz and three Ambassadors among the audience!
https://defenddemocracy.eu/projects/democracy-drinks/ #DefendDemocracy #DemocracyDrinks #DemocracyDefenders
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2026-02-26 17:47:20 UTC

Today we contributed to a roundtable with senior EU stakeholders on tech sovereignty.
"Defend Democracy works at the nexus of democracy, security and technology, which is where hybrid warfare is taking place. The way out of the current geopolitical mess starts with digital sovereignty."
#DefendDemocracy
#HandsOffOurEU🇪🇺
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2026-02-23 16:20:42 UTC

Here is #DefendDemocracy's February newsletter!
📰 Read this edition: https://crm.defenddemocracy.eu/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=141&cid=2&cs=44e9ffb31287f7d6e5e4700d5fc8f0e7_1771232420_168
✏️ Sign up for future editions: https://defenddemocracy.eu/newsletters/
✅ Join our democracy defenders & stay tuned!
https://eupolicy.social/system/media_attachments/files/116/120/853/297/068/400/original/f199e759515685b2.jpg

2026-02-20 15:55:15 UTC

"The US may have abandoned its role in leading the rules-based order. But that doesn't mean that system is dead.
There is every reason to hope that middle powers take up the leadership mantle instead."
By Ivo Daalder, former US ambassador to NATO:
https://www.politico.eu/article/look-to-the-middle-powers-for-hope/
#DefendDemocracy
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2026-01-30 17:39:28 UTC

Netherlands' coalition accord ticks a lot of boxes, including strengthening democracy, digital sovereignty, and resilience against hybrid threats. Will they walk the talk?
Support our work; it is more needed than ever.
Donate: https://defenddemocracy.eu/get-involved/donate/
#DefendDemocracy #HandsOffOurEU 🇪🇺
#nevent1q…g49u

2026-01-26 11:51:57 UTC

BREAKING: EU Commission launches investigation into:
* Grok spreading illegal content in the EU (including fake sexual images and child abuse material)
* X's recommender systems as systemic risks
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_203
#DefendDemocracy
#HandsOffOurEU🇪🇺
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2026-01-21 16:52:28 UTC

We agree: "The European Democracy Shield is an important step, but EU Commission’s level of ambition does not yet match the scale of the threat we face. Defending democracy is a long-term strategic task that must be backed by political will and adequate resources."
#DefendDemocracy
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20260120IPR32531/statement-by-euds-rapporteur-tomas-tobe-on-the-publication-of-his-draft-report
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2025-12-25 12:05:09 UTC

We signed this statement in solidarity with European researchers sanctioned by the U.S. government.
"All those who defend democracy and freedom need to stand together, and we the undersigned stand with those wrongfully sanctioned here."
#DefendDemocracy
#HandsOffOurEU🇪🇺
https://alliance4europe.eu/supporting-democracy-defenders
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2025-12-15 15:20:53 UTC

Here is #DefendDemocracy 's December newsletter!
📰 Read this edition: https://crm.defenddemocracy.eu/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=132&cid=2&cs=0ca605b9bf550846befd1e4f2c1e36d9_1765191153_168
✏️ Sign up for future editions: https://defenddemocracy.eu/newsletters/
✅ Join our democracy defenders & stay tuned!
https://eupolicy.social/system/media_attachments/files/115/724/257/939/422/350/original/eb321afb6c04c3ab.jpg

2025-12-11 15:58:43 UTC

While it acknowledges the systemic risk European #democracy faces, the European Democracy Shield falls short of addressing its root causes.
Our founder @nprofile…s9sm interviewed MEP @nprofile…f52n:
https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/a-shield-without-a-sword/

2025-11-17 16:19:39 UTC

Why Europe needs a security update: the era of hybrid warfare.
"When updating security assets, we must not only invest in hardware and software but also in ‘wetware’."
Our latest:
https://defenddemocracy.eu/europe-security-update/
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2025-10-28 19:31:18 UTC

BREAKING: Russian propaganda site promotes far-right party ahead of Netherlands elections.
"The party's channel is also in the top 10 sources on which the website has relied since its inception."
https://defenddemocracy.eu/russian-pravda-promotes-fvd/
#TK2025 #NLpol #verkiezingen
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2025-10-13 17:40:22 UTC

Russia is at ‘hybrid war’ with Europe, warns EU chief.
“It is time to call it by its name. This is hybrid warfare, and we have to take it very seriously.”
#DefendDemocracy
https://therecord.media/russia-hybrid-war-europe-von-der-leyen-speech

2025-10-10 16:57:44 UTC

Kremlin tactics spotted ahead of Netherlands’ election.
It is precisely its less visible nature that makes the influence of foreign interference in Western democracies so insidious.
https://defenddemocracy.eu/kremlin-tactics-elections/
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2025-10-04 12:59:19 UTC

- reply

🔥 Finally an EU leader says it out loud:
“We have been incredibly naive in entrusting our democratic space to social networks that are controlled either by large American entrepreneurs or large Chinese companies, whose interests are not at all the survival or proper functioning of our democracies.”
https://defenddemocracy.eu/macron-democracy-tech/

2025-10-04 10:54:29 UTC

President Macron: “Europeans, let's wake up!
We have been incredibly naive in entrusting our democratic space to social networks.”
https://defenddemocracy.eu/macron-democracy-tech/
#democracy #tech #socialmedia
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2025-10-01 16:20:31 UTC

Handige tips voor in verkiezingstijd:
Hoe voorkom je dat je per ongeluk desinformatie verspreidt?
https://web-watch.org/digitale-wijsheid-desinformatie-nepnieuws-propaganda/ #TK2025 #NLpol #verkiezingen
https://eupolicy.social/system/media_attachments/files/115/299/812/168/178/238/original/a0c81d255b1aada7.png

2025-06-17 18:51:13 UTC

Honoured to co-organise a conference with the Polish EU Presidency:
"Defending Democracy in the New Geopolitical Landscape: How to accelerate EU’s Preparedness against Hybrid Threats?"
Great collaboration & thanks for security and resilience as #Poland25EU priority!
https://defenddemocracy.eu/events/13-june-2025/
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2025-06-09 15:39:55 UTC

Last week, #DefendDemocracy organised the 2nd 'cross-party lunches on democracy, security and tech', a new initiative under our 'Coalition for Democratic Resilience' program.
This time with a @EP_Defence & @EP_SingleMarket advisor. Thx all for joining!
https://defenddemocracy.eu/projects/coalition-for-democratic-resilience-c4dr/
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2025-05-19 15:35:32 UTC

Here is #DefendDemocracy's May newsletter!
📰 Read this edition: https://crm.defenddemocracy.eu/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=96&cid=2&cs=041c18bac63ba630c4c3be69723eb7fb_1747648357_168
✏️ Sign up for future editions: https://defenddemocracy.eu/newsletters/
✅ Join our democracy defenders & stay tuned!
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2025-05-16 16:05:35 UTC

Ever heard of 'crypto democracy'?
Join us in 'The Language of Power' podcast, where we explore how #crypto is reshaping #democracy, #finance & #geopolitics.
🎧 EPC speaks with our director @nprofile…w8jq & historian of digital technology @nprofile…9l6g
https://www.epc.eu/podcast/the-language-of-power-crypto-democracy/
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2025-04-30 15:07:42 UTC

#DefendDemocracy is thrilled to launch cross-party lunches on #democracy, #security and #tech, a new initiative under our 'Coalition for Democratic Resilience' program.
Thank you @EP_Democracy Chair @nprofile…6kn0 for opening the first exchange!
https://defenddemocracy.eu/projects/coalition-for-democratic-resilience-c4dr/
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2025-04-25 20:12:44 UTC

The #EU needs more courage in enforcing its #digital laws.
“The world is watching — and so is #DefendDemocracy.”
https://defenddemocracy.eu/eu-needs-more-courage-in-enforcing-its-digital-laws/

2025-04-24 16:23:45 UTC

Thank you for a passionate exchange about defending democracy, resilience, Ukraine, and the importance of standing up for our values — especially in a changing transatlantic relationship!
An honour to host an event with former U.S. Ambassador to the EU Anthony Gardner.
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2025-04-16 15:20:16 UTC

#Democracy won't defend itself - we must.
With Trump, Putin and techbros teaming up, it is time we stand up to defend democracy while we still can.
Thanks to all who joined today's #HandsOFF Our Democracy protest in #Brussels!
#DefendDemocracy #EUpol
https://defenddemocracy.eu/europeans-stand-up-for-democracy/
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2025-04-13 19:08:16 UTC

Dear Europeans, democracy won't defend itself.
A like or share on social media is not enough.
With Trump, Putin and techbros teaming up, it is time for us to stand up.
#HandsOFF OUR DEMOCRACY!!
Join us Wed 16 April 13:00 in Brussels to #DefendDemocracy:
https://defenddemocracy.eu/europeans-stand-up-for-democracy/
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2025-04-10 15:54:54 UTC

For years, #DefendDemocracy has advocated for building whole-of-society preparedness & resilience to hybrid threats to democracy.
EU's first ever Preparedness Union Strategy proposes to do just that 💫
Now let's get to work fast!!
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_856
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2025-02-26 16:24:44 UTC

As a little girl she saw #Soviet tanks rolling into her city in #Czechia.
In 2014, she was #Belgium's Ambassador to #Ukraine.
Now she is on #DefendDemocracy's Board.
"Nothing is more powerful than individuals acting out of their conscience."
🎧 Hear her story at @BylinePodcast :
https://podfollow.com/byline-podcast/episode/8f81cd9cf5645863cf598567281922e8ba65d7a8/view

2025-02-10 17:24:49 UTC

This month, @Europarl_EN's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield starts its work. Best wishes @EP_Democracy!
While we wait for this new @EU_Commission proposal, it is clear that defending democracy must always start at home.
#EUDS #EUpol
https://defenddemocracy.eu/defending-our-democracy-starts-with-us-not-with-a-shield/

2025-02-05 17:10:43 UTC

Here is where to find us:
* BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/defenddemocracy.bsky.social
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenddemocracy
* Mastodon: https://eupolicy.social/@DefendDemocracy
* Website: https://defenddemocracy.eu/
Diversify so we can always keep in touch.
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2025-01-29 17:05:43 UTC

With 40+ civil society orgs we have an urgent message for @nprofile…4kmp President #VonDerLeyen:
Now is the time to double down on EU #tech sovereignty.
Europe must commit to strong enforcement of its laws — to protect our #democracy, #economy & #security.
https://edri.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EU-resist-Big-Tech-bullying-open-letter-Jan-2025.pdf
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2025-01-26 15:34:42 UTC

"Defenders of democracy will have to stay united, focusing on ensuring that checks and balances remain intact and that crucial democratic watchdog institutions elude capture.
Otherwise, America will find itself sleepwalking into autocracy."
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/opinion/trump-democracy-autocracy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.pU4.HG4m.zLrdBs-rycSk&smid=bs-share

2025-01-09 17:13:03 UTC

Together with other civil society organisations, we call on @nprofile…4kmp to enforce #BigTech compliance with EU law.
At stake are our #democracy and #security.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_7LHiLHFDA4gdi8cjk51tlnAfXaIo8Bwvz-D5g_EFP4/edit?tab=t.0
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2024-11-27 17:31:35 UTC

Honoured to welcome Signal President @nprofile…ka48 Whittaker, @EU_Commission Advisor Jim Dratwa & HoU Christian D'Cunha & @US2EU Minister Counsellor to our #TransatlanticDemocracyDialogue.
Together with allies we talked about tech, democracy & security.
https://defenddemocracy.eu/projects/transatlantic-democracy-dialogue/
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2024-06-23 15:58:34 UTC

The U.S. is walking in blind into November.
'The lion’s share of #election integrity work in the U.S. has either been shut down, pulled back or put at risk.'
“They are working the referee to get what they want.”
“A direct threat to U.S. #democracy.”
https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/digital-bridge/the-us-is-walking-in-blind-into-november/