Europe to become the new “Leader of the Free World” ?

Column published in Le Monde, dated 26 May 2025, under the title 'For Europe to become the new leader of the free world, it must act with courage and conviction'

In an era of international political uncertainty, Europe stands at a pivotal juncture. As the United States’ global leadership wavers, Europe must seize the opportunity to become the champion of democracy, human rights, and freedom – a true new Leader of the Free World. We urge European leaders to embrace this responsibility and take decisive action to uphold the values that define our shared humanity.

Today, in 2025, we can sadfully witness that The United States, once the steadfast leader of the free world, has increasingly and rapidly retreated from its global responsibilities. Under the new Trump administration, the U.S. has more and more aligned itself with Putin’s authoritarian narratives, cut crucial funding for international initiatives, acted against the International Criminal Court (ICC), halted support for several journalists, and threatened to expel political refugees and researchers. This retreat has left a void in global leadership, one that only Europe can now fill.

Europe has the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. This means standing firmly against authoritarian regimes that suppress dissent, violate human rights, and undermine democratic institutions. The EU should acknowledge its diplomatic and economic strength and use it to pressure these regimes into respecting international law and human rights norms. The war in Ukraine is a test of the EU’s resolve. Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and democratic values is our struggle. European countries should increase their support to Ukraine and shift the focus in the peace negotiations and place human value at the core! People First is the international campaign where Ukrainian and Russian NGOs have united to call with one voice not to forget all the hostages of the war.

In accordance with international law, Europe should demand the immediate and unconditional release of all Ukrainian civilians captured and illegally detained by the Kremlin. Those whose homes are in Russian-occupied areas should be given the opportunity to leave for Ukrainian government-controlled areas if they wish. All illegally transferred or deported children must be returned, and timely repatriation of deported Ukrainian convicts and patients of closed medical institutions must be ensured. The EU should also advocate for the repatriation of POWs through exchanges or other means, as soon as possible, and no later than the end of active hostilities, as required by the Geneva Conventions. Russian political prisoners must be released and face no restrictions on their freedom of movement, including the ability to travel abroad. As well as Belarussian political prisoners and Georgian activists, journalists and human rights defenders, all those persecuted by Putin’s regime, must be supported. Acting for their freedom, Europe takes the right place in peace negotiations fighting not for potential financial benefits, as the US do, but for human rights.

In order to become the true new leader of the free world, Europe has to significantly increase funding for researchers and NGOs working on democracy, human rights, and civil society issues and attract more talents from abroad, including from the US and from the authoritarian regimes. These organizations are on the frontlines of the battle for freedom and deserve robust support. By investing in research and civil society, the EU can foster a strong shield to radicalism and authoritarianism, together with more informed and engaged women and men, both within its borders and beyond. 

This concerns also refugees and asylum seekers, particularly those who fear extradictions in authoritarian countries. We must not turn our backs on those fleeing persecution because of their pro-democratic and anti-war actions. The EU should adopt a more humane and comprehensive refugee policy that prioritizes protection and integration. This includes ensuring that no refugee is forcibly returned to Russia or Belarus, where they may face further persecution. Also, several journalists who have long been a voice for freedom and democracy in regions where these values are under threat. The EU should welcome and support them to provide independent journalism and promote democratic values. This would send a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to media freedom and the free flow of information.

Nowadays, Europe has the potential to lead the free world, but it must act with courage and conviction. By defending human rights, supporting Ukraine, bolstering researchers and NGOs, adopting a more humane refugee policy, championing media freedom, and strengthening the Rule of Law, the EU can assert its role as a global leader. We urge European leaders to seize this moment and stand up for the values that define us. The world is watching, and the future of freedom and democracy hangs in the balance.

Signatories:

Alice Barbe, co-founder of the Singa association and the Academy of Future Leaders;

Jean-Marc Borello, Chairman of the Executive Board, Groupe SOS;

Tamara Demuria, president of the association Georgia vue de France;

Zhanna Nemtsova, co-founder of the Boris Nemtsov Foundation for Freedom (Germany) ;

Olga Prokopieva, director of the Russia-Libertés association and initiator of this article ;

Sylvie Rollet, President of Pour l'Ukraine, pour leur liberté et la nôtre (For Ukraine, for their freedom and ours) ;

Kety Sharukhia, General Secretary of Georgia vue de France ; and

Vera Yastrebova, directrice du Eastern Human Rights Group (Ukraine).