Walls and Bridges: The EU and its Neighbourhood in the Era of Strongmen

While growing divisions and authoritarian tendencies build walls in the EU and its neighbourhood, it can be argued that the EU represents a potential to bridge these divides and overcome these walls, despite internal and external challenges.

In the light of these trends, our Polis Kocht! event examines the EU’s enlargement policy amidst growing walls and the global rise of ‘strongman’ politics. The increasing influence of strongman leaders within the EU has fundamentally altered the bloc’s internal balance and political discourse. Figures such as Viktor Orbán, and Robert Fico, along with the rise of far-right leaders such as Geert Wilders, have steered EU institutions like the European Council towards more nationalist and populist priorities. The normalisation of once-unacceptable rhetoric - on migration, rule of law, and minority rights - alters EU discourse, pushing it towards nationalist and exclusionary policies. This trend undermines the EU’s cohesion and its ability to project unity and democratic resilience in a shifting global landscape.

On this basis, the event further explores the interplay between populism, authoritarian trends, and EU strategies, focusing foremostly on the Western Balkans. By complicating the EU’s enlargement strategy and undermining democratic norms in the region, authoritarian trends influence the EU’s approach to the Western Balkans. Leaders like Viktor Orbán use their roles within EU institutions to block reforms and promote illiberal models of governance, inspiring Balkan leaders to follow suit. This fosters democratic backsliding and reduces EU leverage. The situation is further compounded by Trump's recent electoral victory, which revives global populist rhetoric and legitimises anti-democratic behaviour, increasing the challenges for EU efforts to align strategic priorities with democratic principles.

Lastly, the event is embedded in the context of the 10th anniversary of the , reflecting about and questioning its relevance in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. 

We are looking forward to discussing with you and experts while cooking together!

We thank our sponsor, the Berliner Landeszentrale für politische Bildung.

Host or Publisher Polis180 e.V.