Five Positive Lessons from the US Elections for Europe

So, for a change, let’s talk about what went right, and let’s talk about what the transferable, positive, and urgent lessons for democracies in Europe are.

1. Democracy is more than the president alone

The US elections remind us that democracy operates at multiple levels. While presidential contests dominate headlines, state and local elections, including ballot initiatives, often have a more direct impact on citizens’ lives. In Arizona, for instance, the average ballot featured on average 71 contests, ranging from federal races to judge retention vote to state and local ballot proposals. This reflects the remarkable depth of citizen engagement in shaping policies that affect their communities.

This year, the US saw a historic moment with 11 state-level measures regarding abortion rights appearing on ballots - the most in any year to date. Of these, 8 were passed, enshrining abortion rights to varying degrees in the state constitutions. (A 9th one in Florida achieved 57% support - falling just shy of the 60% threshold needed for approval.) 

These examples highlight the transformative potential of direct democracy, something citizens in Europe often experience less frequently. While Europeans may not vot eon policy changews as often as Americans do at the state level, tools like the European Citizens’ Initiative — the world’s first and only transnational agenda-setting instrument — offer a model for strengthening bottom-up citizen participation in EU decision-making. The ECI provides a critical opportunity to amplify citizen voices at EU level. Strengthening the ECI’s visibility and accessibility could ensure that Europeans play a more active role in shaping policies that matter most to them. 

By the way, a current ECI, My Voice, My Choice, seeking to expand accessible abortion care across the EU, mirrors the deeply relevant and popular debates seen in the US. They are on track to become the 11th successful ECI. 

2. Citizen-led efforts sustain democracy

My election monitoring trip to the US showcased the extraordinary role of citizens in sustaining and managing democracy. Managing elections in the US rely heavily on citizen engagement, a fact I witnessed firsthand during visits to some of the US’s largest counties. Mail-in ballot processing resembled a democracy assembly line, where several thousands of community members serve as election workers, taking on tasks from signature verification to curing the ballot. Crucially, many of these steps involve bipartisan teams working together to ensure election integrity, showing that collective efforts can transcend partisanship for the greater good of democracy. 

 This is a powerful reminder for Europe, where volunteer-driven efforts often play a secondary role in democratic processes. Strengthening citizen participation, whether through elections themselves or through in-between-election participatory mechanisms, can enhance trust and transparency in democracies across Europe. The US shows that involving citizens directly in the mechanics of democracy not only strengthens its legitimacy but also nurtures a sense of shared responsibility - a lesson Europe should take to heart as it seeks to deepen public engagement. 

3. Time is a crucial factor

The sheer size and diversity of the United States highlight the importance of proper time in running effective campaigns. Presidential campaigns typically span years, allowing candidates to build movements, engage the massive amount of voters, and communicate their messages across a vast and varied electorate. Similarly, statewide ballot initiatives demand months of groundwork to mobilize support, educate voters, and navigate complex legislative processes. This extensive timeline, while challenging and unfathomable to the European mind, allows for the development of long term connections with citizens and the opportunity to fundraise like your campaign depends on it - because it does. 

Kamala Harris’s historically short 100-day campaign - a timeframe more reflective of average European electoral campaigns - showed the power of focus and urgency but underscored the difficulty of  achieving national reach in such a short period. For Europe, where electoral campaigns follow shorter timelines, the lesson remains universal: lasting democratic change and citizen engagement require sustained effort. Whether building longtime support campaigns like the ECI or organizing pan-European campaigns, dedicating sufficient time to foster trust and awareness is essential for success. 

4. Combating disinformation in the digital age

The US elections underscore a critical area where democracies are rising to the challenge: addressing disinformation in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The decline of traditional media like network television and the collapse of X as a reliable platform have left a vacuum increasingly filled by alternative media, such as podcasts or YouTubers. While these platforms foster engagement, they often lack editorial oversight, enabling the spread of unchecked narratives. 

Okay, I’m going to be honest. We’re all still trying to figure this one out. But the EU now has an opportunity to get it right, learn from the challenges seen in the US and seen growing in Europe by doubling down on media literacy programs that equip citizens to identify credible sources and navigate a fragmented media environment. The EU needs to prepare citizens to identify credible sources and to support independent journalism.

Stricter oversight of big tech is also key, ensuring transparency in algorithms and curbing the spread of harmful disinformation. The lesson is clear: democracies that invest in protecting the integrity of public discourse are better positioned to safeguard trust and participation in an increasingly digital world. 

5. An opportunity for Europe to step up

The US is likely to shift towards embracing an “America First” isolationist policy under the incoming Trump administration, presenting Europe with the chance, but really, with no choice, but to act boldly and step it up. If there were any moment for the EU to assert itself, it would be now - not just in terms of security and defense, where enhanced capabilities and sustained support for Ukraine are essential, but also in addressing internal weaknesses. The EU must also reform internal, ineffective decision-making processes, such as abolishing the Council veto, to strengthen its ability to respond decisively to global challenges. 

But bold leadership is not only about institutional change. It also means placing democracy at the heart of Europe’s actions. Amplifying citizens’ voices, embedding and strengthening participatory tools into its policymaking processes, and fostering genuine engagement with the public are vital in an era of growing authoritarian threats. Only by strengthening internal cohesion and democratic legitimacy can the EU rise to take on the challenges of climate change, migration, and geopolitical tensions.

The US elections serve as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration for democracies worldwide. They highlight the importance of engaging citizens at all levels, ensuring that democracy is not just about leadership at the top, but also about empowering local voices. From the sheer complexity of running large-scale campaigns and the need for ground game to the critical role of citizen volunteers, these lessons stick with me that democracy thrives through people and through accountability. 

For Europe, the stakes are clear: the EU must rise to the occasion by deepening its democratic foundations and tackling global challenges with unity and boldness. 

Above all, the US elections remind us that democracy is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, adaptation, and innovation. In a world where authoritarianism looms large, the EU now has the opportunity to lead by example and put democratic values at the forefront.