FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 May 2025
LONDON — Today marks a pivotal moment for European solidarity and strategic cooperation. A powerful lineup of European decision-makers, diplomats, journalists, and civil society leaders is gathering this afternoon, 13 May 2025, for the launch of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine — a bold initiative aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s sovereignty and advancing democratic unity in response to Russian aggression.
The high-level event, taking place at the House of Commons in London and online, begins at 3:00 PM Central European Time (2:00 PM London time).
This timely gathering will take place under the title:
“Towards an Effective European Defence Strategy for Ukraine: Making the Coalition of the Willing a Reality”
This pivotal gathering will chart concrete, collective steps for an effective European response to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The programme will focus on four urgent strategic priorities:
- Building a European peacekeeping force and sovereign defence capability
- Establishing a European Defence Bank and integrated procurement systems
- Strategies for countering disinformation and hybrid warfare
- Strengthening democratic resilience across the continent
Held under the umbrella of the Defending Democracy Global Initiative, the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine aims to foster cross-border cooperation, amplify support for Ukraine, and shape coordinated democratic responses to security threats across Europe.
The event brings together a distinguished group of participants from politics, civil society, and media. Among the key participants are prominent European figures from politics, civil society, and media. Roger Casale, former UK Member of Parliament and founder of New Europeans, will lead the session as coordinator of the initiative. He will be joined by Alex Sobel, MP and UK Trade Envoy to Ukraine, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine. Lord James Arbuthnot, former Chair of the UK Defence Select Committee and Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI, brings a vital perspective on European defense strategy. From France, Jean-Yves Leconte, former Senator representing French citizens abroad, contributes deep experience in diaspora diplomacy and European cooperation. Civil society and media will be represented by Dr. Wolfgang Ressmann, Chair of Youth4Media and Media Dialogue, and Mika Beuster, President of the German Journalists’ Association, who will address media freedoms and the role of journalism in wartime. Italy will also be represented by experts from the Centro Studi Internazionali, including Francesco Gaudiosi, Vice President and Executive Director, contributing expertise in international law and global governance. Xhabir Deralla, President of CIVIL – Center for Freedom and co-founder of the Defending Democracy Global Initiative, will support the event as co-moderator and facilitator.
Ukrainian voices will be at the heart of the discussions, including a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and frontline journalists who continue to defend truth and democratic values under immense pressure. They will be joined by additional contributors committed to shaping a united European response to authoritarianism.
The event features concise contributions, with in-depth interviews and podcast sessions scheduled for release in the weeks to follow. This launch marks the beginning of a long-term effort to fortify democratic institutions, combat disinformation, and sustain European support for Ukraine.
“This is a strategic rallying point for Europe’s democratic actors. We’re sending a clear message: Ukraine is not alone, and our democratic values are not negotiable,” Roger Casale, Coordinator of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine said in an exclusive interview for CIVIL’s media platform.