Recent years have seen a wave of far-right populism gaining momentum in many countries. In this Statement, the EGE analyses how this puts democracy at risk. It formulates a substantive understanding of democracy that does not limit it to elections, but makes real the values and rights it is based upon. The EGE further reflects on how understandings of identity that are not defined by exclusionary categories but encompass plurality can contribute to people’s appreciation of the European endeavour and strengthen their participation in society. It highlights the need for a reorientation of Europe to its social roots as key for countering the rise of authoritarianism. On this basis, the EGE proposes a series of recommendations for a democratic and vibrant European civic space.