The Index of Authoritarian Populism, compiled by TIMBRO and EPICENTER, reveals a significant increase in support for populist forces since the 1950s, with concerns raised about potential shifts towards totalitarianism and their economic impact, particularly evident in Hungary. Despite varying levels of support across EU countries, authoritarian populist parties exert significant influence across the continent, prompting calls for a sober assessment of the rule of law and democracy to safeguard economic progress and individual freedoms.