Former Danish Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen tirelessly promotes his vision of a close alliance of democratic middle powers that would jointly defend their economic, technological, and security interests.
By Dr. Martin Eichtinger
He reiterated this proposal at this year’s Europa-Forum Wachau, where he advocated the creation of the political format “D7,” comprising the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.
A closer alignment among like-minded nations is necessary for several reasons. On the one hand, it reflects a growing loss of confidence in the United States of America. On the other, it responds to the reality that the liberal democratic model is steadily losing ground to autocratic systems. This desire for an alliance of like-minded democracies has been further strengthened by the geopolitical upheavals of recent years and by the search for reliable partners committed to preserving the rules-based international order.
Europe must build and deepen new international partnerships—economically, in the field of security, and at the institutional level. This was also emphasized by Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger in her keynote address on Europe Day 2026.
In an era of profound transformation, those who can rely on a broad network of international partners will be best positioned to succeed. For the European Union, this means identifying partners that share its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and a rules-based international order.
Despite the declining number of full democracies worldwide and the continued advance of authoritarian regimes, the European Union has a large number of natural partners. These include, first and foremost, the EU’s accession candidates, as well as countries closely associated with the Union through numerous agreements, such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Additional partners can be found within the framework of the European Political Community—a cooperation platform comprising 47 European and West Asian states—as well as among the countries linked to the EU through trade agreements.
Together with these nations, we must shape the future of the international order and continue efforts to promote peaceful global coexistence. Austria, with its long-standing tradition of commitment to multilateralism, has an important role to play in this regard. Following its highly welcome election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, Austria will assume significant responsibility for advancing these objectives.
At the same time, the European Union must address the serious threats to democracy posed by forces both within and outside the Union. Disinformation and manipulation are targeting the very heart of our democratic systems—free and independent elections—as has become alarmingly evident in a number of recent European electoral campaigns.
Initiatives such as the European Democracy Shield and the Council of Europe’s guiding principle of democratic security are indispensable instruments for safeguarding democracy. Beyond protecting free elections, these efforts are dedicated to preserving media independence and strengthening civil society.
Since its founding in the 1950s, the European Union has evolved continuously. A key factor in the Union’s integration has been the implementation of programmes specifically designed to foster cohesion. The Cohesion Funds and various cross-border cooperation initiatives, for example, have made a substantial contribution to this process.
A particularly important role is played by the Erasmus Programme. Since its inception, it has enabled no fewer than 18 million young people to gain educational and personal experience in other EU Member States and partner countries. The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna is also a participant in this programme. Erasmus offers an important component of a broader vision for strengthened partnerships between the EU and like-minded democracies around the world. Expanding Erasmus exchanges with the EU’s global partner countries would help future generations embrace democratic values and become familiar with the European way of life.
Speaking of young people: anyone wishing to experience the enthusiasm of Europe’s youth for the European project should not miss the concerts of the European Union Youth Orchestra in Grafenegg, the orchestra’s home base, on 1 and 15 August 2026. Under the patronage of the President of the European Parliament, and bringing together musicians from all EU Member States, the orchestra delivers performances of the highest artistic standard. It truly represents “Europe at its best.”