In late September 2024, Philea hosted its KoneKtor 2024 Annual Forum, and Alliance asked its readers what session they would like to hear about most in a poll. The winner was ‘Futures Divided: Democracy’s Test at the EU’s Eastern Edge.’

I was happy to find out that Alliance readers chose the session ‘Futures Divided: Democracy’s Test at the EU’s Eastern Edge’. I also wasn’t surprised. Coming from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) myself, it was my choice as well.

The session at KoneKtor delved into the current state of democracy in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in the context of rising polarisation and the rule of law. As the region reflects on its democratic journey—35 years since the Autumn of Nations and 20 years since EU accession for several countries —participants explored both achievements and challenges.

Achievements and challenges

Jakub Klepal from ‘Forum 2000’, a think tank founded by Vaclav Havel, highlighted the Czech Republic’s successful transformation into a relatively stable democratic state. Key indicators point to effective economic reform and a robust civil society that serves as a backbone of democracy. The presence of independent media (even public media) further enhances the public discourse, ensuring that diverse viewpoints can be shared and debated.

However, Jakub raised a significant concern about the current political landscape, where the focus has shifted away from transformative societal discussions to operational issues like state budget redistribution. This shift has allowed populist parties to gain traction, fostering an environment of polarisation that is often centred on resource allocation rather than on the core values of democracy and civil rights.

The role of civil society

The importance of civil society emerged as a recurring theme. In recent years, it has acted as a corrective force against the influence of authoritarianism, particularly during crises like the increasing influence of China in 2015. Civil society organisations have mobilised citizens to vote against populist parties in 2020 in the Czech Republic and 2023 in Poland and have been instrumental in upholding the rule of law.

Speakers stressed that civil society must remain vigilant in defending fundamental rights while also addressing corruption and political transparency. According to Marta Pardavi, a co-chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, the EU’s fragmented approach to democracy and rule of law had been evident until 2020, but recent initiatives aimed at protecting free media and recognising civil society’s role signal a shift towards more cohesive action. It seems that in 2024 the EU finally accepted the backslide of democracy and the rule of law. And it takes more decisive action like expanding the rule of law to all of the money streaming from EU, even for agriculture.

Marta highlighted a pivotal moment for civil society participation in EU institutions. She mentioned new tools like a civil society platform and new positions in the European Commission. Ensuring meaningful participation of civil society requires to development of new lines of work. It’s already happening in Hungary and Poland, but not in France or Germany. How can civil society sustain it? How can it do all of these additional works? Philanthropy should not shy away.

Engaging the younger generation

A poignant discussion on the engagement of younger generations underscored the need for fostering trust and dialogue among diverse groups. Young leader Jakub Rychly, co-founder of Nekrachni, shared insights about the disconnect between traditional political discourse and the realities faced by today’s youth. The lack of knowledge about historical struggles and current political dynamics, often influenced by social media, poses a significant barrier to meaningful participation.

The emphasis was on creating spaces for dialogue—both in civic education and community initiatives—where young people can express their needs and concerns. Initiatives that encourage civic engagement and leadership among youth are essential for cultivating a more inclusive democratic culture.

Looking Ahead

As the session concluded, participants were urged to consider how democracy can be renewed in response to contemporary challenges. Building trust, facilitating open dialogues, and investing in long-term civic education were identified as critical steps. There is a collective responsibility to nurture the democratic process and ensure that it evolves to meet the needs of all citizens.

When civil society is under threat, the funding can’t be suspended. Philanthropy should actively support these efforts, not avoid them. This includes funding advocacy and supporting transnational cooperation to strengthen the rule of law and the civil society ecosystem. Even in regions where threats may seem less apparent, such as Germany or France, it is important to remain vigilant and proactive in supporting civil society’s role in democracy.

Magda Pękacka is the Alliance regional representative for Central and Eastern Europe.