What democracy means to us
For us as an association, democracy is much more than a political system – it is a fundamental principle of our actions and values. Democracy stands for participation, dialogue, and active involvement of all people, regardless of age, background, or experience.
In our work, we promote awareness of democratic processes by creating spaces for intergenerational exchange, social engagement, and critical thinking. Through our educational projects, such as “Fit 4 Democracy”, we encourage people, especially younger and older generations, to raise their voices and actively contribute to shaping our society.
Our goal is to strengthen democracy in Europe by providing knowledge, highlighting opportunities for participation, and fostering solidarity. Only through active engagement and shared responsibility can we build an open, just, and peaceful society.
What does democracy mean to you?
We started with a small written survey and short video interviews during a meeting of ViMA Volunteers in December 2024.
Watch the videos, read the contributions, get inspired… And ideally, send us your personal statement at democracy@ileu.net
Arne Fassler | Germany 🇩🇪
Democracy means living in freedom, having an opinion, and having many political, cultural, and social opportunities.– Christiane Dech | Germany 🇩🇪
Elena Muste | Romania 🇷🇴
Freedom of speech, rule by the people.– Jan Leger | Germany 🇩🇪
Liliia Vaskovska | Ukraine 🇺🇦
Democracy is freedom of choice, equality, and responsibility. It is based on dialogue, human rights, and active civic participation. It is not just about influencing society but also about the duty to protect its values and build a just future.–Oleksii Dremliuk | Ukraine 🇺🇦
Emiliya Velikova | Bulgaria 🇧🇬
The only way a diverse society can be fairly organized.–David Fichtner | Germany 🇩🇪
Monika Selmeci | Germany 🇩🇪
It is a living artwork where every individual contributes to shaping society. It is a space where voices and ideas harmonize. In this creative process, everyone has the right to express their opinion and actively participate in shaping their future.–Maria Ilieva | Bulgaria 🇧🇬
Rodica Macuca | Romania 🇷🇴
Democracy means that power comes from the people. Citizens have the right to participate through elections, referendums, etc., and can thus influence decisions. Human rights, freedom of speech, and other fundamental human rights hold great importance.–Sybille Mann | Germany 🇩🇪
Svitlana Gurina | Ukraine 🇺🇦
Democracy for me means tolerance, respect, understanding, and acceptance of diversity.–Vojislav Milunov | Serbia 🇷🇸
Simon Jegl | Germany 🇩🇪
For me, democracy means that the government listens to the people and discusses all problems together.–Veronika Lukashkina | Ukraine 🇺🇦
Mattis Dinkelaker | Germany 🇩🇪
Mutual respect. To respect another person, group, ethnicity, or nation, one must know them. Education, information, and exchange are fundamental to democracy.–Ingrid Pengl | Germany 🇩🇪
Marina Kuch | Germany 🇩🇪
In a democracy, human rights are respected. Everyone has the right to develop freely and make decisions about their own lives. Power is not centralized, but divided into legislative, executive and judicial branches.-Lena Wolf | Germany 🇩🇪
Dejan Zagorac | Serbia 🇷🇸
As a form of government, but also in smaller social interactions—engaging with one another, listening to different opinions, enabling everyone's participation, and making decisions together. Politically, democracy means to me that the people decide.–Jana Pulli | Germany 🇩🇪
Ruslana Onopko | Ukraine 🇺🇦
Not perfect, but the best we have!–Astrid Winkle | Germany 🇩🇪
Carmen Stadelhofer | Germany 🇩🇪
Democracy means that all people have the right to participate in decisions and express their opinions freely.–Sofiia Tkachuk | Ukraine 🇺🇦
Krasimira Marinova | Bulgaria 🇧🇬
Democracy, for me, means freedom, responsibility, and opportunity. The freedom to express our opinions and shape our lives. The responsibility to stand up for the common good and the opportunity to create a just society together.–Sara Petricevic | Croatia 🇭🇷
Virgil Muresan | Romania 🇷🇴
Everyone has the right to free speech, fair elections, and equal rights. In a democracy, there is no dictatorship—the government must listen to the people. Respect for all individuals is crucial, and everyone should have the chance to advocate for change.–Daria Tropp | Ukaine 🇺🇦
Tatijana Petrica | Serbia 🇷🇸
Democracy is one of the most important foundations of our society. The right to express our opinion freely, to vote, and to participate in decision-making is essential for our freedom and should not be taken for granted; it must be protected.–Sanjivani Jhamb | Germany 🇩🇪
Dora Hulpe | Romania 🇷🇴
Democracy is the best form of government.-Ana Zlibut | Romania 🇷🇴
Rosemarie Kurz | Austria 
Democracy is the most important foundation of political coexistence.-Bertram Wegemer | Germany 🇩🇪
Angela Pudda | Italy 🇮🇹
Participation, co-design, freedom and diversity-Fynn Kaiser | Germany 🇩🇪
Frieda Reiners | Germany 🇩🇪
For me, democracy means that all people have the same rights and freedoms, regardless of their origin. It promotes plurality, freedom and co-determination. This right to free development is a great privilege for me and strengthens both society and us as individuals.-Julia Morgenthal | Germany 🇩🇪
Francesco Perpolli | Italy 🇮🇹