Democracy on the European continent is under attack. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a war against democracy itself. Our democracy cannot be taken for granted. It must be nurtured and taken care of every day. This is what the von der Leyen Commission has strived for since the start of its mandate.

Europe’s strength lies in its unity, and this unity is based on our shared democratic values: our commitment to fundamental human rights; the protection of a free and independent press; upholding the rule of law; and equality between women and men, rural and urban, young and old.

Democracies must be worked on and renewed every single day, and this requires citizens to be empowered to speak up. The Conference on the Future of Europe, which concluded on 9 May 2022, has empowered citizens to shape the future of our European Union. The Commission has listened, and is now focused on delivering on their proposals.