‘It’s up to us’ is a way of thinking when in opposition. If we really want to defend liberalism, we cannot remain passive while in opposition, nor can we leave the work of opposition to other, more ‘activist’ movements.
During two workshops in 2025, the European Liberal Forum, the Hans van Mierlo Stichting and the Martin Filko Institute gathered liberal think tanks in Bratislava and in the Hague to discuss how liberals can be successful in opposition to the far right.
During these sessions, we learned from successful societal campaigns and opposition efforts across Europe that moved the needle, driven not only by political parties but also by civil society, media and municipalities.
‘It’s up to us’ is a way of thinking when in opposition. If we really want to defend liberalism, we cannot remain passive while in opposition, nor can we leave the work of opposition to other, more ‘activist’ movements. It is up to us to not only react to the far right, but to go on the offensive: to reimagine a world where liberal values deliver on their promises and to present this vision from opposition.