Across Europe, liberal democracy and mainstream parties are under pressure from right-wing populist and radical-right forces.
Yet recent developments also show that political change is possible: in Hungary, Viktor Orbán’s long period in power came to an end after the opposition Tisza party won a decisive victory in the April 2026 parliamentary election.
At the same time, uncertainty remains high. Bulgaria’s recent election illustrates how political instability, corruption, geopolitical ambiguity and distrust continue to shape European politics. And looking ahead, the French presidential election in 2027 will be a major test for the future direction of Europe.
Against this backdrop, ARENA invites you to a panel debate with Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party and Chair of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.
He will be in a panel with former Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg, and John Erik Fossum, professor at ARENA Centre for European Studies.
They will discuss the rise of right-wing populism, the dilemmas facing Europe’s democratic centre, and what the EU can do to defend democracy, rebuild trust and respond to citizens’ concerns without compromising its core values.
Panellists
- Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party and Chair of the EPP Group in the European Parliament
- Erna Solberg, Member of the Norwegian Parliament for the Conservative Party, and former Prime Minister of Norway
- John Erik Fossum, Professor, ARENA Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo
- Moderator: Pernille Rieker, Centre Director, ARENA
