Across the transatlantic alliance, democracies are confronted with a historic test. Autocratic powers are not only waging wars of aggression, they are exploiting corruption, digital manipulation, and economic coercion to undermine the very foundations of democratic governance. As the global order tilts toward systemic rivalry, Europe’s resilience has become the linchpin of its security. In response to these complex and multifaceted challenges, the Center for the Study of Democracy convened the inaugural Defense and Democracy Dialogue: Fortifying Freedom on 11 November 2025, in Sofia.

Forum host, Dr. Ognian Shentov, Chairman of the Center for the Study of Democracy, highlighted the urgent need for Europe to build a social, economic, and technological system that is inherently more resilient, adaptive, secure, and forward-looking than the forces seeking to tear it apart. Rosen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, emphasized that democracy must be defended on three fronts: institutions, technological infrastructure, and values, in order to secure a robust, resilient and fortified Europe. 

Ingrid Schulerud, Special Representative on Democracy and Rule of Law at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, challenged attendees to explore ways Europe can counteract new, quieter forms of democratic backsliding, including legal reforms that weaken checks and balances, media capture and shrinking civic space. Ruslan Stefanov, Program Director at the Center for the Study of Democracy, urged civil society, business, media, academia and government to join forces to reclaim and support resilient, inclusive, accountable institutions for all citizens.

Highlights from the Discussion

Rosen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria

“Bulgaria sees democratic alliances as our best defense in a fragmented world. We are on the front line of NATO and the EU, facing both conventional and hybrid tensions. This position gives us a special role, to connect regions and build democratic partnerships.”

Ognian Shentov, Chairman, Center for the Study of Democracy

“We can no longer distinguish between 'defense' and 'democracy.' We must adopt a new strategic ontology where defending democracy is synonymous with defence policy. The health of our institutions is as vital to national security as the capacity of our armed forces.”

Ingrid Schulerud, Special Representative on Democracy and Rule of Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway

“Without fundamental rights, there is no rule of law. Without rule of law, there is no democracy. And without civil society, democracy becomes an empty shell.”

Ruslan Stefanov, Program Director, Center for the Study of Democracy

“Inclusive institutions matter for security, not just development. When power is widely shared, when accountability is real, when civil society and media are free – then states are resilient. Conversely, when power is captured by a few, when independent media is silenced, when foreign authoritarian actors embed influence – then democracy becomes vulnerable.”