Dear friends, dear Ave Europa comrades and dear Europeans,
Over the past few days, comments have been circulating on X and other platforms that are not only factually incorrect but, in some cases, written with clear malicious intent. What has unfolded makes it once again clear what Europe continues to suffer from: political dishonesty, political cowardice, and opportunism. The Board has therefore decided to issue a fully transparent statement – the time has come to take a clear stance.
1. On the current wave of attacks
A group of people have chosen to publicly attack Ave Europa together with expelled members – on X and on Substack. We have no fundamental objection to being criticised or attacked – that is part of political life. What is not acceptable are deliberate false claims and disinformation. A large portion of the attacks we have received recently comes from individuals we were compelled to expel from the organisation or remove from the federal board – due to sabotage, toxic behaviour, and condescending comments against women in private chat groups.
2. On the specific allegations
We are accused of having become an organisation close to the AfD, neo-Nazi, or illiberal in character. These labels are hollow attacks without a substantive basis – the result of wounded egos, not serious political engagement. They use precisely the tactics we otherwise see from other anti-European actors. We cannot fight disinformation on one front whilst tolerating it being used against us on another. These accusations are simply untrue.
2.1 On the invitation of Tim Schramm
The most concrete point of contention concerns our decision to invite Tim Schramm to our planned Assembly in May 2026. Schramm is a 22-year-old dissident AfD member who publicly advocated for Ukraine and even took up arms at the front – a stance that has made him a target within his own party. We do not share all of his political positions. He is invited to contribute perspectives on the anti-European right in a debate panel, and is known for exposing and criticising the full Russian influence within the AfD. Anyone who wishes to effectively combat the anti-European right must first understand it. What is being practised here is guilt by association – the insinuation that engaging in dialogue with someone legitimises their views. That is not a political argument; it is political cowardice. It is also worth noting that some of those now criticising this invitation had themselves previously engaged with the same pro-Ukrainian figures from the right in the context of Ave Europa only a few months ago.
3. What Ave Europa is – and what it aspires to be
Ave Europa stands for democracy and the foundational values of freedom in Europe – without reservation. We did not set out to prop up Macron or von der Leyen; our mandate is to be an unmistakable voice for better and clearer leadership in Europe. We believe the ECHR must be reformed – not because we aspire to an illiberal democracy, but because we want to improve and save Europe. We also invited an MEP and mostly Renew People, despite not being entirely aligned with everything. The political reality in Europe is serious: almost 30% of German voters lean towards the AfD; in France, the RN reaches over 40% in some polls. Add to that Orbán in Hungary, Reform UK, Vox in Spain, and other anti-European forces across the continent. If Europe does not change, its opponents will win. That is something we refuse to accept. Ave Europa exists because we genuinely want to change Europe – not for funding, sponsorship, or prestige on a CV. Our goal is to offer people a political home – a voice on the European stage that has quite simply been missing until now.
4. Outlook: Assembly May 2026
In May 2026, our major anniversary event will take place – the Assembly in the castle. Our motto is: Reclaim Europe. We have invited thinkers from business, politics, and civil society, and the programme has been carefully assembled. The team behind the scenes – loyal, committed, and driven by genuine conviction – will keep advancing this organisation regardless of turbulence.
Closing words
To all those considering leaving Ave Europa, or to whom this message has been forwarded, our advice is not to act hastily. An organisation and an idea must grow organically. A European civilisational state is not built overnight. We are not illiberal anti-democrats, and the movement won’t pursue such a path. We will always fight for freedom and for Europe – regardless of whether we grow, stagnate, or shrink. We can look at ourselves in the mirror and say: we remained true. We wish you all a wonderful week.
With European regards,
The Ave Europa Board