In response to rising geopolitical threats, Europe’s liberal parties are redefining their approach to democracy and security.

As geopolitical instability grows, Europe’s liberal parties are increasingly prioritizing security alongside traditional democratic values. Carolin Johnson, head of policy at the European Partnership for Democracy, emphasizes that security and democracy are intertwined.

Recent electoral setbacks have prompted this ideological shift. With centrist-liberal parties losing ground to conservative and populist movements, leaders like Austria’s Beate Meinl-Reisinger advocate for a robust security stance, asserting that ‘security is not optional’ in today’s political landscape.