In this interview, Kurt Bassuener, is co-founder and Senior Associate of the Democratization Policy Council (DPC). Critically reflects on the challenges facing democracy in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina. He discusses the declining trajectory of democratic governance, the role of Serbia under Aleksandar Vučić as a regional destabiliser, and the EU’s failure to effectively promote democratic reforms in the region. Bassuener warns against the EU’s transactional approach, which prioritises stability and migration control over democratic values, fostering oligarchic and criminalised political systems. He emphasises the urgent need for grassroots activism and a revitalised liberal democratic vision that addresses socio-economic insecurities and inclusivity. Drawing parallels between Western Balkan and Western democratic backsliding, Bassuener calls for more credible, value-based EU engagement. He highlights how feminist activism and strategic grassroots efforts can generate democratic traction even amid authoritarian trends. Despite the bleak current environment, he remains an “angry optimist,” insisting that democratic renewal is possible through persistent citizen mobilisation and pressure for accountability.