Russia’s terrible war against Ukraine has changed Europe. Never before has the European Union acted as united and resolute in foreign policy and defence - even if many argue it still needs to do more. Across the continent, there is a growing willingness to accept a joint responsibility to act together, including militarily, against aggressive, authoritarian regimes.
But are the EU and its institutions fit for this new reality? Currently dominated by the Member States, what should the role of the European Parliament, the European Commission and, ultimately, the sovereign citizens be, in a European Union at war or deeply involved in one? As the Ukrainian conflict rages on – amidst others in the world – what actions, policies and democratic reforms would it take for the EU to become a genuine force for regional, even global peace?
This webinar will build on recommendations put forward by the 200 citizens as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, to explore how Europeans can live up to their own values and finally break free from historical cycles of violence and exclusion. With the Conference due to conclude on 9 May in Strasbourg, we will also be exploring whether a future constitutional convention, organised as inclusive and participatory as possible, could provide an opportunity to more broadly, deeply and publicly discuss the EU’s role in the world.
Speakers:
Dajana Milinkovic | European Citizens’ Panel ambassador, deputy spokesperson EU in the World Conference Plenary Working Group
Klaudia Deirenne Mazur | European Citizens’ Panel ambassador, member of the EU in the World Conference Plenary Working Group
Danuta Hübner | MEP from EPP (Poland), EU in the World Plenary Working Group
Alfiaz Vaiya | Co-founder of Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice
Viola von Cramon | MEP from Greens/EFA (Germany), EU in the World Working Group
Martin Speer | civil society voice & author, Jean Monnet Prize winner for European Integration 2018
To join the event, please register here.
*This event builds on discussions from our previous event Unmuted: MEPs on the Conference on the Future of Europe and Power to the People! How Can Europe Work For Everyone?