In a significant show of transatlantic solidarity, the European Democratic Party (EDP) recently hosted Will Marshall, President of the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), for a strategic dinner discussion in central Paris. Just steps from the Assemblée nationale, this gathering brought together key political figures, including Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the EDP, and Maud Gatel, Secretary General of Mouvement Démocrate (MoDem). The evening underlined the vital need for closer ties between European and American democrats amid rising global challenges.
Will Marshall, whose think tank in Washington, D.C., is influential in shaping centrist Democratic policies, presented a candid assessment of the evolving political landscape in the United States. With eyes set on the approaching 2026 midterm elections, Marshall highlighted a crucial shift in American public opinion.
While former President Donald Trump maintains considerable support, growing dissatisfaction is emerging regarding his economic strategies, contentious positions on the war in Ukraine, and strained relationships with longstanding European allies. According to Marshall, this disillusionment offers a unique opportunity for U.S. Democrats to forge a broader and more inclusive coalition focused on pragmatic and future-oriented solutions.
The dialogue moved to also address pressing political challenges within France and the broader European context. Representatives from MoDem underscored their concerns about increasing populist tendencies and declining public trust in democratic institutions. Acknowledging these challenges, they emphasized the urgency of revitalizing democratic discourse by addressing issues directly impacting citizens’ daily lives. The necessity to reinvigorate the political center was particularly stressed, given the drift among French voters toward political extremes.
A spirit of collaboration dominated the evening, reflecting a collective understanding of the imperative for transatlantic cooperation among centrist democrats. Discussions explored practical avenues for bolstering partnerships, such as joint policy forums, collaborative initiatives aimed at youth engagement, and knowledge exchanges on best practices in governance. Shared commitments, notably in climate policy, digital innovation, and the defense of democratic values, formed the bedrock of the conversation. Participants collectively affirmed the critical importance of unifying moderate voices globally in an era increasingly characterized by polarization.
Sandro Gozi eloquently articulated the strategic and symbolic importance of transatlantic cooperation, underscoring that robust democracies depend not merely on strong institutions, but also on deep, trusted international relationships. “Building resilient democracies,” Gozi remarked, “is about nurturing networks of dialogue and cooperation around the globe.”
The dinner concluded on a hopeful note, with participants leaving emboldened by a renewed commitment to collaborative efforts across the Atlantic. The discussions, while intimate in nature, embodied ambitious aspirations: fostering democratic leadership that is courageous, unified, and prepared to tackle complex, interconnected challenges head-on.
This gathering, representative of ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic alliances, signals a crucial understanding among moderates on both sides of the Atlantic: the future stability and prosperity of democracies depend fundamentally on proactive and inclusive leadership committed to shared democratic principles and transatlantic cooperation.
