Institute of European Democrats

19/01/2026

"EU–USA: Power, Performance, and Perception Beyond the Myths" A closed-door discussion examining the transatlantic relationship through evidence rather than assumptions thanks to the expertise of PhD and specialists! Using comparative data on economic strength, innovation, security, and global influence, the conference challenged prevailing narratives and highlighted where perceptions diverge from measurable performance.
The aim? An honest, analytical look at how the EU and the United States compare today: what this means for cooperation in a changing global order, and how our elected representatives can use this knowledge to implement policies.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!
Bonne année !
Buon Anno!
Frohes neuves Jarh!
Urte berri on!

United for 2026 - in our wishes of freedom, peace and justice around the world and in Europe!

12/12/2025

💪Wir stellen ein!

Eine Mitarbeiterin / ein Mitarbeiter zur Unterstützung der Vizepräsidentin des Instituts der Europäischen Demokraten.

🤩 Sie haben bereits einen Job? Keine Sorge! Unser Angebot kann mit Ihrer aktuellen Tätigkeit kombiniert werden: Die Position als Assistenz der Vizepräsidentschaft ist in Teilzeit, mit Aufgaben, die gelegentlich im Laufe des Jahres anfallen.

🧐 Sie sollten:

* Deutsch fließend und Englisch auf professionellem Niveau sprechen
* Methodisch arbeiten und Erfahrung in der Organisation von Veranstaltungen haben
* Gerne in einem multikulturellen europäischen Umfeld arbeiten
* Politisches Gespür besitzen

Interessiert? Alle Informationen finden Sie unter diesem Link 👆👆👆– warten Sie nicht länger und bewerben Sie sich!

29/11/2025

💪On Tuesday in Athens, an important discussion took place: IED was invited by the Initiative for European Progress to address the issue of violence against women and families. In Italy, legislation has been passed and the term “femicide” has been formally recognized and incorporated into various legal texts. In Greece, this has yet to happen. 🇬🇷🤝🇮🇹

💜 This event is one of many that must take place to open the debate and, with all European stakeholders and countries on board, ensure the protection of women, mothers, and children across our continent from violence.

28/11/2025

🧡Last week, the Institute of European Democrats was in Bilbao for two days: our members had the occasion to participate in the Congress of the European Democrats and discuss the present of our Democratic Family.

👩‍🍳But for IED, it was especially the meeting of Saturday that was decisive for our near future: 2026 is coming! We are excited to show what the IED is cooking for you ;)
Stay tuned!

27/11/2025

🇷🇸 Belgrade Security Conference 2025
IED President Enrico Borghi took part in the panel “Unarmed in the Unseen War: How to Counter Hybrid Threats in Europe?” at this year’s Belgrade Security Conference, held on November 17–19.
The discussion focused on the growing impact of hybrid warfare in Eastern and Southeastern Europe: from cyberattacks and disinformation to electoral interference and psychological operations that weaken democratic resilience.
President Borghi highlighted the rising risks of cognitive warfare and “surveillance capitalism,” stressing how these threats exploit Europe’s internal divisions and destabilize institutions. He also noted Italy’s renewed commitment to countering foreign interference, including the recent Italian Supreme Defense Council meeting where hybrid warfare was addressed at the highest level for the first time.
A crucial debate on safeguarding Europe’s security and democratic foundations! Thanks to the organizers for their invitation.

13/11/2025

Dieci anni fa gli attentati del 13 novembre colpirono Parigi allo Stade de France, al Bataclan e nei locali del centro, lasciando oltre 130 morti e più di 350 feriti. Una tragedia che non riguardò solo la Francia, ma l’Europa intera: tra le vittime anche l’italiana Valeria Solesin. Ricordare oggi non significa indulgere nella retorica, ma riconoscere che quella notte ha segnato un punto di svolta nella sicurezza europea e nella consapevolezza delle nostre fragilità. A distanza di dieci anni, il modo migliore per onorarne la memoria è continuare a difendere la libertà, la democrazia e la sicurezza dei cittadini, senza abbassare la guardia di fronte a chi vuole colpire i nostri valori.

13/11/2025

Democracy must be defended, renewed, and built together.
On 21 November in Bilbao, the European Democratic Party (EDP) will bring together political leaders, activists, and thinkers from across the world to debate the future of freedom and a new global alliance of democracies.

🗣️ Opening speech by Imanol Pradales, President of the Basque Government.
🎤 Keynote speeches by Paolo Benanti on ethics and artificial intelligence, and Thierry Breton on a stronger, more autonomous and sovereign Europe.

🗳️ Two panels will explore the major challenges of our time:
— “Youth on the Move”, on new forms of participation and activism.
— “Defending Democracy”, on global cooperation among democracies in Europe, America and Asia.

🔚 Closing speeches by Aitor Esteban, President of the Basque National Party (PNV); Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the EDP; and François Bayrou, President of the EDP.

📅 21 November – Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC)
🕓 Public session from 4:00 p.m. (Statutory session at 1:45 p.m.)
🎧 Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Basque, English, French, Italian and German

👉 More information: bit.ly/EDPBilbaoCongress

22/10/2025

08/09/2025

✨ A new chapter begins for the Institute of European Democrats! ✨
Today marks an important milestone for the Institute of European Democrats.
A new Board has been elected, opening a new chapter in the life of our organisation and reaffirming our commitment to advancing democratic values in Europe.
🙏 We extend our deepest gratitude to the outgoing Board of directors for their years of dedicated service. Their leadership has provided stability, continuity, and growth, ensuring that the Institute remains a key actor within our European democratic family. Francesco Rutelli, Gabi Schmidt, Mikel Burzako, we especially thank you!
With renewed vision and determination, the new Board will continue to strengthen the role of the Institute as a platform for dialogue, ideas, and cooperation across Europe.
We are proud to announce the election of Enrico Borghi as President, Sylvia Rolke as Vice-President, Miren Martiarena as CEO, and Alexandra Leuliette as Secretary ready to write the next page of our story and strengthen our mission at the heart of the European democratic family.

With fresh energy and renewed commitment, we look forward to building together the future of democracy in Europe. 💙🌍