The quality of democracy has deteriorated in many European countries. Populism is on the rise. What are the causes of these developments? What dangers does it pose for the European unification project if populists gain a lot of votes in the European elections? How can Europe’s democratic values be protected from populism? Shada Islam (Director for Europe and Geopolitics, Friends of Europe) gives answers.

The quality of democracy and governance has deteriorated in many European countries. Wolfgang Merkel (Director democracy and democratization, WZB Berlin Social Science) talks about the causes of this development. He explains why democracy in the Scandinavian states is more robust than in Eastern European countries, and how democracy and governance in Europe can be strengthened again.

In our film "Back to Europe“, we show what a future could look like without the EU. Do not miss the chance to shape your Europe the way you want it to be and #govote! On 26 May 2019 is the European election.