Global Democracy Series: Europe & Coalition-Building
January 20, 2027 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm UTC-5
We are entering into a pivotal moment for democracy in Europe. In September 2026, a far-right party was elected to power in Germany for the first time since the Second World War. In 2027, national elections will be held in Germany (January), France (April), and at least seven other countries, with the far-right surging in support across the continent.
We shine a spotlight on Europe, understanding why the far-right (and the funders that back them) have been so successful, and drawing out learnings to defend, renew, and reimagine democracy. We look at the role of Hungarian State funding in launching the global far-right, and hear updates from encouraging shifts in Hungary and Poland. As part of the conversation, we will draw out globally applicable learnings at what it takes to build a true coalition to support democracy, speak candidly about some of where these efforts have fallen down in the past, and explore opportunities to engage moving forward.
We will be joined by Elisa Peter, Fund Director of Civitates, the largest pooled fund supporting democracy in the EU.
As with all sessions in this series, we will stay practical action-oriented by referencing and updating the pathways to action for members who want to engage in this area – signposting towards pooled funds and other easy buttons, strategic advisors, and other opportunities to engage.
Questions? Contact Sam Underwood, sam@forward-global.org