A new study by Expert Europe, titled “Three Decades of Civil Society: the Ups and Downs of Promoting Democracy in Romania”, explores the evolving landscape of civil society and independent media support in Romania over the past 35 years – and offers timely recommendations for Europe. As the US repositions its global democratization strategy and far-right populism gains ground across the continent, the report argues there is a new momentum for the EU to step in. The Romanian experience, marked by key support from both the US and EU, offers crucial lessons on what works (and what doesn’t) in building sustainable liberal democratic institutions, rooted in local realities. Recommendations developed with Romania in mind are scalable across Europe, particularly relevant for regions where EU and US support has been vital, such as the Western Balkans. This is a wake-up call to act: Pan-European actions to support civil society and independent media are essential to resist democratic backsliding. Read more here.
Source: Expert Forum