Implications for civic educators and civil society

Online discussion | Recap

Europe’s evolving security landscape has brought fresh urgency to debates about strategic autonomy, transatlantic relations, and the resilience of civil society. In this online discussion, experts Daniel Hegedüs, GMF regional director for Central Europe, Rafael Loss, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Sven Gerst, political philosopher and civic educator, highlighted the implications for both policymakers and civic educators, emphasising the need for renewed approaches in the face of shifting geopolitical realities.

Europe’s security dilemma in a Trumpian world

Only a few weeks in, Donald Trump’s administration has sparked widespread concerns about Europe’s strategic autonomy, raising fears of reduced US support or even hostility toward European interests. In this online discussion, three major challenges for Europe were identified: a cultural reluctance to engage in military matters, limited public awareness about the broader impact of the war in Ukraine, and the risk of European disunity if internal solidarity weakens.

Our first speaker, Rafael Loss, traced the roots of Europe’s post-war security framework. He noted that, historically, NATO provided military protection while the European Union focused on civilian cooperation. With a potential US disengagement, Europe now faces growing pressure to bolster its own defence capabilities. Raphael warned that NATO’s role remains essential, particularly for post-Soviet states that joined NATO as a security guarantee before acceding to the EU.

Public opinion data presented during the discussion showed increasing European scepticism about Trump’s impact on global stability. While some nations in the Global South view Trump more positively, countries such as Denmark have grown increasingly concerned. Trump’s foreign policy actions, including his ambiguous stance on Russia and Ukraine, have further undermined European confidence in US security commitments. This reinforces the urgency for Europe to address its internal challenges around security culture, public awareness, and political cohesion.

Consequences for civil society and democracy

This shifting geopolitical landscape has not only strained international alliances but has also placed increasing pressure on civil society organisations and their efforts to safeguard democratic values. Daniel Hegedüs addressed the growing difficulties faced by civil society and specifically in parts of Eastern Europe. Donor withdrawal has left a significant funding gap, coinciding with a rise in authoritarian tendencies in countries such as Hungary and Poland. Daniel further highlighted Hungary’s recent passage of its fourth anti-NGO law in 2023 and similar legislative proposals emerging in Bulgaria and Slovakia. Such developments threaten European democratic standards, with the potential for these trends to worsen if international conditions deteriorate.

The discussion encouraged civic educators and civil society groups to adapt to changing political conditions, emphasising the need to rethink old assumptions about stability. It also underscored that institutions are more vulnerable to sudden political shifts than we once believed. Concerns were raised that funding priorities may increasingly favour security-focused initiatives over social and educational efforts. Meanwhile, rising populism and younger generations’ growing scepticism about democracy’s value add to the need for proactive strategies to build civil society resilience.

Rethinking civic education in an unstable environment

Sven Gerst stressed that educators must prioritise the promotion of liberal democracy, focusing on the rule of law, human rights, and accountable governance. These values suffer from significant gaps in public understanding — gaps that figures such as Viktor Orbán have successfully exploited, reinforcing the need for educators to adapt their language and strategies accordingly.

The discussion also underscored the European Union’s shifting priorities, with an increasing focus on security potentially diverting resources from civic education and democracy promotion. Speakers argued that civil society must advocate for democracy education as a vital component of Europe’s security landscape, emphasising the need to allocate EU resources toward strengthening democracy as an essential safeguard against authoritarian trends.

Strengthening strategic communication and civic engagement

The conversation highlighted Europe’s need to improve its strategic communication, particularly in conveying security risks to the public. Historically, Europe’s reliance on NATO, especially the United States, has contributed to complacency in addressing security challenges. Enhancing public awareness through improved communication strategies is key to strengthening societal resilience. Europe should learn from countries like Estonia.

Germany and Sweden were cited as good examples of effective civic-military cooperation, with their armies engaging in school visits and simulation exercises to teach geopolitical and security issues.

Finally, the discussion addressed the role of exiled civil society groups from authoritarian regimes. While their influence on domestic politics may be limited, their ability to maintain alternative political narratives remains vital. Historical examples, such as Romanian and Hungarian exiles mobilising during critical political moments, were seen as evidence of their potential impact. Investing in transnational learning and strengthening exile networks was identified as an important yet underfunded strategy for European policymakers.

The conversation concluded with a call for civic educators and civil society leaders to adapt to these evolving realities, ensuring their efforts remain relevant, resilient, and impactful in safeguarding democracy and social cohesion across Europe.