Madrid hosts this Sunday the large rally in defense of democracy and the principles of the EU.

Madrid is preparing to host a large rally this Sunday in defense of democracy and European values , organized by a broad group of associations, collectives, and civil society organizations. Called for 12:00 p.m. in Callao Square, the mobilization seeks to reclaim the European Union and its founding principles.

The event coincides with Europe Day week, celebrated on May 9th in commemoration of the historic Schuman Declaration of 1950, which led to the creation of the current EU. Beyond the celebrations, however, the organizers' goal is to mobilize citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the EU project and demand greater political and social commitment to European principles.

The call brings together pro-European and youth organizations such as Team Europe, media organizations such as the Association of European Journalists (APE), trade unions, universities, and cultural organizations such as the Círculo de Bellas Artes. They will all gather under a clear message: it is urgent to defend the values ​​that have cemented the European project in the face of the growing risks that threaten the EU and its democracies.

"Europe has never been more at risk in the last eighty years than it is today. The answer to this threat is the European Union: the most successful social, economic, and peaceful integration process known. A project that transcends the mere sum of its constituent states, but which today requires greater citizen engagement," the organizers stated in a statement.

Among the reasons cited for the mobilization, they highlight the need to promote greater EU integration that transcends national approaches and allows Europe to gain greater influence on the international stage. "Europe's democratic legitimacy is unquestionable, despite the interest of other illiberal regimes in eroding it," they maintain.

Furthermore, they underscore the need to support Ukraine's cause as a European imperative. Similarly, they emphasize the importance of developing strategic autonomy , expanding the EU's capabilities against those who "despise" it and overcoming its dependence on other countries.

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"Europe must promote multilateralism and an international order based on rules and respect for justice and human rights. It must be secure, capable of standing on its own two feet against external aggression, and of promoting its own scientific and technical advances in the service of its citizens," the organizers added.

Another message is the defense of the European model of social democracy, based on the rule of law, freedoms, well-being, and peaceful coexistence among the different peoples that make up the EU. "The EU must be able to integrate different generations, overcome polarized vision, and engage a young European who need emotions and values ​​to identify with."