As Europe grapples with rising populism, democratic leaders from across the continent are calling for a renewed, bold commitment to reform, unity and pro-European ideals. In a high-profile public event in Brussels, the first in a new pan-European series led by the European Democratic Party, figures from the political centre came together to advocate for what they described as “the courage of nuance” in an age dominated by political oversimplification.
“We cannot allow Europe to be dragged into a logic of passivity or resignation,” declared Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, in his opening remarks. “We have the duty to act, and to do so with a democratic, reformist and deeply pro-European vision.”
The event brought together prominent centrist voices including Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva and former Italian Prime Minister, and Maxime Prévot, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Both warned against the dangers of populist rhetoric and political paralysis in the face of mounting global challenges.
Renzi used his address to reflect critically on Italy’s diminished presence in European leadership. “In 2016 we were with Merkel and Hollande in Ventotene, in 2022 with Draghi and Macron on the train to Kyiv. Today, Italy is no longer in the picture,” he said, pointing to what he sees as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s preference for communication over governance. “Giorgia Meloni is an influencer doing politics. She communicates brilliantly, but doesn’t govern,” he added, referring to his recent book, The Influencer, which critiques her rise to power through media strategy rather than policy substance.
“She is the best communicator in Italian politics, but Italy cannot be run on marketing alone,” Renzi said. He also stood by key political decisions that were controversial but, in his view, necessary. “It’s better to be right than popular,” he stated, referencing his role in blocking Matteo Salvini’s power grab in 2019 and supporting technocrat Mario Draghi in 2021.
From Belgium, Prévot delivered a resounding call for intellectual honesty and democratic courage in confronting populist narratives. “Populism cannot be defeated with slogans, but with truth and courage,” he said. Emphasizing the need for serious political discourse, he championed “the courage of nuance,” a concept he defined as embracing complexity in a world obsessed with oversimplification. “That takes respect for people’s intelligence,” he said, implicitly contrasting the centrists’ approach with the more polarizing tactics of populist parties.
Crucially, Prévot addressed the EU’s institutional shortcomings, urging reforms to streamline the decision-making process. “Unanimity paralyses Europe. In a fast-moving world, we respond too slowly,” he warned, underscoring how global shifts, from geopolitical tensions to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, demand quicker, coordinated European responses.
Renzi echoed that sentiment, asserting that “these are difficult but exciting times. Politics can still change history. Europe must go back to being the continent of ideas.”
The evening concluded with a forward-looking statement from Yvan Verougstraete, president of Les Engagés, who reinforced the values of principled leadership in turbulent times. “Look far ahead, speak the truth, act with justice. Politics is service, courage and responsibility. The centre is still the place where the common good can be built,” he said.
The event marked the beginning of a wider campaign led by the EDP to galvanize centrist, democratic forces ahead of upcoming European elections and to reassert the value of a strong, united Europe, one that chooses reform and truth over resignation and division.
