Detention of Enes Hocaoğulları

The Young Democrats for Europe (YDE) call for full respect of democracy, freedom of speech, and youth rights in the European Union and in Turkey alike.

Enes Hocaoğulları, a young LGBTQIA+ activist and delegate to the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, remains unjustly detained in Turkey following his arrest on 5 August 2025. His continued imprisonment on politically motivated charges is a grave attack on human rights and democratic values.

YDE firmly believes in the values of democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech. Enes’s case embodies a disregard for these fundamental principles. His detention serves to silence dissent and intimidate young voices.We call on President Erdoğan and the Turkish authorities to immediately release Enes Hocaoğulları and all young activists unlawfully detained. We condemn this politically motivated persecution and demand a fair judicial process free from political interference. The crackdown on youth activists, the LGBTQIA+ community, and civil society must stop.

The Young Democrats for Europe will continue to advocate for a Europe where young people are free to express their views without fear of retaliation. Enes’s detention is a powerful reminder of the challenges we face and the vital importance of protecting democracy and human rights. We call on all democratic youth organisations to join us in our condemnation of this injustice and to maintain pressure until he is free.

Support for LYMEC and ALDE party

Solidarity Against Oppression

The Young Democrats for Europe (YDE) stand in full solidarity with our friends and allies in LYMEC and the ALDE Party following the Russian Prosecutor General’s unjust decision to designate their activities as “undesirable” in Russia. This blatant attempt to silence and intimidate liberal voices is yet another attack on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It is also a clear recognition of the powerful and unwavering stance that LYMEC and ALDE Party have taken against Russia’s war in Ukraine and the systematic repression of freedoms in Russia.

As LYMEC and ALDE Party have rightly stated, this designation does not weaken their cause—it strengthens it. They are not anti-Russia; they are anti-Putin’s Russia. They stand for democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech. They have been, and will continue to be, united and unwavering in their condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine since 2022.

We strongly condemn the Kremlin’s increasing repression of political opponents, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens. The systematic labeling of individuals and organizations as “foreign agents,” “extremists,” or “undesirable” is a tool of intimidation designed to crush any form of dissent. It is unacceptable, and we stand in solidarity with those in Russia who continue to fight for democracy despite the immense risks they face.

YDE fully supports LYMEC and ALDE Party in their continued efforts to uphold European values. The Russian government may attempt to silence dissent, but it will never succeed in extinguishing the ideals of democracy and human rights that we all fight for. This unjust designation will not deter us—it only strengthens our resolve.

Now, more than ever, democrats across Europe must stand united against authoritarianism. YDE remains committed to working alongside LYMEC, ALDE, and all those who believe in a free and democratic future for Europe and beyond.

YDE fully supports President Zelensky and the Ukrainian heroes

Full Solidarity with President Zelensky and the Ukrainian People

We stand in full solidarity with President Volodymyr Zelensky and the brave people of Ukraine in the face of the clumsy attempt at humiliation at the White House. This misguided manoeuvre is not just an affront to Ukraine’s leadership but an insult to the countless young heroes who have fought and sacrificed to defend their freedom and the fundamental values of the West—values that, sadly, seem to have lost their place in the Oval Office.

What we witnessed was not diplomatic strength but populist weakness masquerading as power. Bullying is not strategy; it is a failure of leadership. The European Union must not fall into the trap of such short-sighted games.

Our unwavering support goes to our Ukrainian peers—young women and men who have stood resilient in the name of democracy and sovereignty. We look forward to working alongside them in the near future, within a stronger, greater, and more authoritative European Union—one that proudly welcomes Ukrainian heroes into their rightful home.

If this war has proven anything, it is that Europe must be strong. Our security, values, and future cannot be left at the mercy of others. The European Union must stand united, act decisively, and embrace its role as a true geopolitical power. A stronger Europe is not just an option—it is a necessity. Only through unity and resolve can we defend democracy, support our allies, and shape the future we believe in.

YDE stands with Serbian students

We, the Young Democrats for Europe, express our full support and solidarity with the students in Serbia who have taken a principled stand against corruption and are advocating for transparency, the rule of law, and the fundamental values of European democracy. Your determination and courage resonate with young people across the continent who share the vision of a future free from injustice and impunity.

The fight against corruption is central to building a society where public institutions serve the people with honesty, integrity, and accountability transparency. The students of Serbia are shining a light on the urgent need to confront systemic corruption, ensure the independence of democratic institutions, and guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all.

As young Europeans, we recognize that corruption undermines trust in governance, erodes the rule of law, and hinders progress toward a just and equitable society. We commend the students for their leadership in demanding real change and reminding us all that a functioning democracy requires vigilance, civic participation, and a refusal to accept the status quo.

We are united in our belief that no government should operate without scrutiny, no institution should act above the law, and no voice calling for justice should be silenced.

To the students and youth in Serbia: we stand with you. Your vision for a transparent, fair, and democratic society is one that we share. Your hope is our fuel in fighting for our common values. Together, we can build a Europe where corruption has no place, and democracy thrives for future generations.

In solidarity,
Young Democrats for Europe

François Bayrou Appointed Prime Minister

A New Chapter for France and Europe


It is with great joy and deep pride that we welcome the appointment of François Bayrou, President
of the European Democratic Party, as Prime Minister of the French Republic. His humanist vision,
commitment to Europe, and ability to unite make him a thoughtful and compelling choice to lead
the government of a country at the heart of the European Union.
In a Europe facing immense political, social, and environmental challenges, François Bayrou
embodies the values of responsibility, nuance, and dialogue. As Young Democrats for Europe, we
extend our best wishes for success to Prime Minister François Bayrou. We remain committed
alongside those who, like him, work for the common good rather than personal interests.


“François Bayrou’s appointment to Matignon is a powerful symbol and a source of hope for
a France in need of political stability and a clear direction. He has consistently upheld his
profound belief in a European, democratic, and humanist vision. This vision we share and
hold within the Young Democrats for Europe offers a clear response to the turmoil caused
by extremist forces. Uniting will not be easy, but Center is the solution.”

Alice Bernard-Montini, President of the Young Democrats for Europe


Young Democrats for Europe (YDE)
Jeunes Democrates Europeens (JDE)
YDE is the youth wing of the European Party.We embrace the key role of democratic principles, underlined in the Lisbon Treaty and shrined in our political belief: democracy, freedom, equality, participation, sustainability and solidarity.

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