Background
The Young European Federalists launched the campaign in 2006 by under the name of “Free Belarus Action” to raise awareness against the Lukashenka regime, considered as the last dictatorship in Europe. Since then, JEF Europe has been lifting the voices and the stories of activists and citizens demanding to live in a democratic country.
Unfortunately, recent times have shown that threats to democracy and the rule of law concern several countries on the European continent. Hence, JEF actions have been rebranded under the name “Democracy under Pressure” in 2014 and aim at drawing attention to the systematic weakening of democratic values on which the European Union is founded. Today, we also use the term “Democracy under Attack” show the stark deteriorations of civil space, and the direct attacks by autocratic regimes and other actors.
What do we do?
In the past 20 years, JEFers have been showing how crucial abstract concepts such as democracy and the rule of law are and how important it is to recognise when they are being taken away.
The campaign is based on very concrete actions such as gagging statues, organising awareness-raising activities, flash mobs, debates, articles as well as partnerships with other civil society organisations.
We strive to make sure the voices of those who are silenced by the ones who want to put democracy under pressure continue to be heard and supported in solidarity.
The campaign happens annually in more than 20 countries, raising awareness in the streets through protests, flashmobs and interviews, writing letters to political prisoners in Belarus and Russia, conferences and debates.
What can I do?
- You can send an hand-written letter to one of the over 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus, detained for peacefully protesting against the Luakshenka’s regime. With this simple gesture of solidarity, you can show your support for their struggle and let them know that we are fighting to let their voices be heard. You can find information on how to do the same here.
What to do more?
- You can consider making a donation to support the victims of political repressions in Belarus. The initiative #BY_help collects money for them to cover the costs of their fines, lawyer fees as well as medical treatment and rehabilitation. You can transfer the money via PayPal or Facebook donations. You can also support dissidents financially via others dedicated platforms, including BySol and A Country to Live In.
- We have also collected a list of charities in different countries whose work for democracy you can support. See the list here.
- We have also listed some good documentaries to watch to be informed about current state of democracy and other related topics.
More statements and actions by JEF Europe on the topic:
18/03/2024
24/02/2024
Joint Statement | We cannot let war become the new normal
09/06/2023
JEF Europe stands with Vesna imprisoned democracy activists in Russia
16/03/2023
Democracy under Pressure 2023: JEF Europe builds a European chain of democracy
24/02/2023
The Ukraine of tomorrow is built today: independent and on track to EU accession
18/03/2022
Press release | Democracy is under attack: JEF launches its “Democracy under Pressure” 2022 campaign
01/03/2022
24/02/2022
Statement | Europe’s youth stand against Russian aggression and in support of Ukraine’s future
02/02/2022
Press statement | Europe must unite against the Kremlin’s aggression
21/11/2021
JEF Europe Resolutions Regarding the Protection of Rule of Law
25/03/2021
18/03/2021
07/02/2021
Joint Statement: European political youth organisations #StandWithBelarus
They support us ?
Many Members of the European Parliament support #DemocracyUnderPressure. You can find their names here and listen to their words in the videos they sent us in last year’s edition.
Contact information
Contact information
