Democracy, Dependencies, and the Ukrainian Factor
On October 13, Prague hosted the plenary sessions of the 29th Forum 2000 Conference — one of the world’s leading international platforms that brings together politicians, diplomats, and experts to discuss the future of democracy and global security. The central message of the forum was clear: democracies must learn to defend themselves — economically, politically, and in the realm of communication.
One of the key topics was Europe’s dependence on China. Over the past decades, the EU has outsourced much of its production and supply chains to Beijing, and today it is difficult to imagine a functioning European economy without them. Experts emphasized that until the EU defines what China truly is for Europe — a partner, a competitor, or a rival — it will not be able to build an effective strategy. The situation with Russia is clearer: it is a direct threat. Yet awareness alone is not enough — concrete, decisive, and timely action is required.
The forum also focused on communication. Populists may not produce new ideas, but they know how to persuade. The EU, in contrast, is often perceived as a “debate club” — talking more than acting. To regain trust, Europe must speak clearly, act boldly, and deliver tangible results. Only then can it counter the rise of radicalism.
Education was another major theme. Participants highlighted it as a shield against disinformation and extremism. Societies where citizens think critically and understand global interdependence are far more resilient to manipulation.
Ukraine held a special place in the discussions. It was seen not just as a candidate for EU membership, but as a country fighting for the security of the entire continent. “Ukraine buys us time. Ukraine protects us. The future of Europe is with Ukraine,” — this sentiment echoed throughout the forum.
The global perspective also drew attention. India remains heavily dependent on Russian oil (covering about 40–45% of its domestic demand) and weapons (around 80% of imports). This underlines that the war in Ukraine is part of a broader struggle between authoritarianism and democracy. African delegates emphasized the need to hear Ukraine’s voice directly: “We hear about the war from the EU and NATO, but not from Ukraine itself. We need your stories.” Zambia shared its own experience of fighting for sovereignty, while Argentina warned: “Imperialism is knocking on the door of the 21st century. Democracies must unite.”
Forum 2000 once again reminded the world that it stands at a crossroads. Either democracies act together to defend their values, or they allow authoritarian regimes to set the rules. The true strength of democracy lies not only in economic or military power, but in honest dialogue, openness, and the ability to communicate convincingly.
