How to deal with the threat of Authoritarianism?

Speaker:

• ALEXANDER DUBOWY, Researcher, Eastern Europe & Russia

• ZSUZANNA VÉGH, Research Fellow, European University Viadrina in Frankfurt

• MACIEJ KISILOWSKI, Associate Professor of Law and Strategy, CEU

• VEDRAN DZIHIC, Senior Researcher OIIP

• VUK VELEBIT, Political Analyst

• CENGIZ GÜNAY, Director, Austrian Institute for International Affairs (OIIP) (tbc)

Moderation:

• STEPHANIE FENKART, Director IIP

Content:

Recent developments and actions in the Western Balkans, especially words and actions by Milorad Dodik have demonstrated the necessity to counter authoritarian and backward oriented policies, which are destroying the achievements reached after the bloody Yugoslav wars - as fragile as they have been. But such tendencies can also be found in several member countries of the EU. Some politicians like Victor Orban try to reach out to authoritarian leaders in the Western Balkans and prevent a clear and united reaction by the European Union. Other member states do not support the reactionary forces in the Western Balkans but are putting obstacles to the accession and integration process. Additionally, to the disregard of the Rule of Law in many countries many citizens of the WB face obstacles to freedom of movement within the region and throughout the Schengen area, particularly or Kosovo citizens. Additionally, we have been witnessing democratic backsliding also within EU countries like Hungary or Poland or in other EU aspiring states like Turkey. After Putin started the war against Ukraine, the EU is re-considering how it was dealing with Russia in the past and it is essential that the EU manages to come with a common Foreign and Security Policy which gives guidance on how to deal with authoritarian regimes. 

When reactionary and authoritarian forces cooperate and unite themselves in their efforts to destroy the very basics of the European Union, like fundamental rights and respect for diversity, those forces who want to stick to these principles and values should also cooperate. The different associates and NGOs in the Western Balkans who are engaged in that fight for democracy and civil rights should be linked with organizations and groups inside the EU who have a similar fight to fight.

The discussion will be held in English. 

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