Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s Post

The situation in Georgia is deeply concerning. The democratic world must stand firmly with those protesting for their democratic and European future. If the Georgian government insists on pushing through its controversial 'foreign agents' bill then there must be consequences. We have seen this playbook before from Putin's Russia. So it is essential we act now to stop Georgia moving down the path of autocracy. My message from the Copenhagen Democracy Summit -

That's a wrap on the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2024. We heard substantive speeches from politicians, strong messages from business leaders on how industry can stand up for freedom, but most importantly directly from those on the frontlines in the global struggle for democracy. I have always wanted this summit to be a doing shop, not a talking shop. To focus on practical ideas that can strengthen the democratic world. So, I was pleased for example that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her speech to put forward specific proposals on a ‘European defence shield’ to combat foreign interference. My three main highlights from the summit were: First, we need to deliver a real change in our approach to support for Ukraine. I was delighted that Andriy Yermak, President Zelenskyy’s Head of Office was able to join in-person to launch our new report on Ukraine’s security and Euro-Atlantic integration. No if, no buts – Ukraine must join NATO. My second highlight were the addresses by two Taiwanese Presidents. It was the perfect illustration of the peaceful transfer of power in Taiwan, compared to the stage-managed one-party rule in China. Third, was the powerful messages of those risking their liberty and even their lives fighting for freedom. For example, Masih Alinejad’s session was electrifying on the plight of Iranian women and dissidents fighting the Iranian regime. I would like to thank all of those who spoke at the summit, all of those who worked tirelessly to make it a success, and everyone that participated both in-person and online. Thank you and see you next year!

Today at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Andriy Yermak and I launched a major new report on Ukraine’s Security and Euro-Atlantic integration. The report was written with and endorsed by a group of leading voices from across the democratic world, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Secretaries of State. If we are to end this war on acceptable terms and lay the ground for a sustainable peace, then NATO leaders must be bold. They must make clear that our support for Ukraine’s security and sovereignty is irreversible. Our report sets out a series of measures that would do just that. First, we call for NATO leaders to invite Ukraine to begin accession talks at this year’s Washington Summit, while tasking the Ukraine-NATO Council to set out the specific conditions that needs to be addressed. Second, the report sets a target date for Ukrainian membership of no later than July 2028. By setting an ambitious but realistic date, leaders will make clear that Ukraine is not just being moved from one waiting room to another. That they are committed to progressing quickly on the outstanding questions regarding Ukraine’s membership. Lastly, the report sets out a series of proposals that can help contain and ultimately end the war. It calls for the creation of a humanitarian air defence shield over Western Ukraine and lifting all caveats on types of weapons delivered to Ukraine, as well caveats on their use against military targets inside Russia. Overall, the report outlines an ambitious agenda and makes clear why bringing Ukraine into NATO will help pave the path to peace and security in Europe. The full report is here - https://lnkd.in/ebubz_hn

Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2024 is live! Follow live - https://lnkd.in/eBZcyqgB

It is now just four days to go until the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2024.   I am delighted to announce that Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President and EPP lead candidate at the European elections, will join in-person to discuss the need for a strong Europe in the world.   She joins a fantastic line-up of speakers including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Council President Charles Michel, Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Ghanian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, among many others.   We will also hear from inspiring activists who are fighting against autocratic regimes around the world, including Alexei Navalny’s long-term friend and advisor Leonid Volkov, Belarussian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad.   The full agenda and speakers list is available at https://lnkd.in/eBZcyqgB   All sessions will be streamed online on 14-15 May – so join us and stand up for democracy!

It is a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to this year’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit.   She will discuss what Denmark is doing to stand up for democracy around the world and what more needs to be done to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom.

Delighted that Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen will join at Copenhagen Democracy Summit on May 14 to discuss support for Ukraine.   I am proud that Denmark has led the way in supporting Ukraine’s military since Russia’s brutal invasion.   What more needs to be done to deliver a Ukrainian victory will be top of the agenda at this year’s #CDS2024.

Over the last two years, I have worked closely with Andriy Yermak on long-term security guarantees and now Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. I have seen firsthand the immense work he is doing to build support for Ukraine around the world.   TIME has rightly recognised him as one of the most influential global figures. It was a pleasure to write a short profile on him for the #TIME100 list.   In “To the Great Moment,” the Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko wrote, “Let every one of you be ready for the great moment. Each of us can be the decisive leader when the consequential moment comes.”   At the great moment for Ukraine and for democracy, Andriy Yermak not only serves a decisive leader—but he has proved himself to be one, as well.   https://lnkd.in/ejGCjRcb

One month to go until the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2024.   The world’s democracies are under threat from increasingly aggressive autocratic regimes.   It is time for us to draw closer together and fight back!

It was a pleasure to be in Vienna yesterday, to speak to the Federation of Austrian Industries on the future of European security.   My message was clear: Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is forcing Europe to fundamentally reassess its approach to its security. For too long governments ignored the threat posed by an autocratic and aggressive Russia. We are seeing the consequences of that naivety play out now in Ukraine. Europe urgently needs to act – to ensure a Ukrainian victory and to develop a security architecture that addresses the threat from Russia and other aggressive autocratic regimes. If we fail to do so, we risk never ending instability on our continent and a breakdown of the global international order.