Brussels Democracy Dialogue 2024

On 20 November 2024, policymakers, academics and civil society leaders met at the Brussels Democracy Dialogue 2024, organised by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung EU Office Brussels and FES Democracy of the Future Office Vienna. Just like the Hambach Democracy Dialogue (HDD), this expert conference served as a platform to exchange progressive ideas and proposals for further developing European democracies - an increasingly urgent task in times of creeping autocratisation and faltering democratisation processes throughout the continent.

The first Brussels Democracy Dialogue addressed how the transition to sustainable democracies can best succeed. For the longest time, four key factors have been regarded as essential:

1. socio-economic aspects that favour the development and stability of democracy (e.g. a prosperous economy, a low level of inequality);
2. the existence of a liberal and democratic tradition (e.g. pre-authoritarian social movements, organised interests, and a democratic-parliamentary culture) that facilitates the entrenchment of liberal and democratic values in the society;
3. a political elite that is committed to democratic norms and principles;
4. strong international democracy supporters that make the external costs of authoritarianism high.

With these principles critically in mind, the first panel discussed assaults on democracy by increasingly authoritarian-minded politicians and the erosion of democratic norms and principles and how to react and counteract them. The second session highlighted the role of citizens in defending democracy and asked the question of why parts of our societies are receptive to illiberal values.

Tackling the shift in the balance of power

The next discussion examined the ties between solid economic performance and resilient democracies - and uncovered an apparent paradox: while some voters in Europe decided to elect leaders who subverted democracy despite a stable economic output, other democracies remained steadfast even in the face of deep economic crises. Finally, discussants tackled the issue of the waning influence of Western liberal democracies and the rise of authoritarian actors such as China and Russia. 

In his concluding speech, FES President Martin Schulz painted a hopeful picture, pointing to the strong support for democracy and democratic values among the majority of the population despite the adverse circumstances.

Consult the full programme, including all speakers and panelists, here.

On the occasion of the Brussels Democracy Dialogue, FES published a study looking at the role of pro-democratic actors in democratisation processes worldwide. Read the paper here: 

• "External Actors in Democratization. Lessons from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung", by Sarah Bush and Julian D. Melendi, October 2024.