The European University Institute welcomes former Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans and policy leader, mediator, and democratic dialogue expert Joanna Kamińska for a conversation hosted by Josephine van Zeben, EUI's Provost for Education and Academic Staff Development.
Across Europe, political debate increasingly seems to leave little room for disagreement without division. Differences of opinion can quickly become questions of identity, loyalty and belonging — making it harder not only to find common ground, but sometimes even to have a conversation at all.
But disagreement is not necessarily a problem for democracy. It can be a source of democratic energy, provided we retain the ability to listen, argue and change our minds without treating those who disagree as enemies. So what would it take to move beyond polarisation? Can we (re)learn the art of disagreeing agreeably — and, in doing so, create the space for Europe to talk, deliberate and ultimately act together?
Frans Timmermans, Joanna Kamińska and Josephine van Zeben explore what constructive disagreement might look like in an increasingly polarised Europe, and ask whether the quality of our public conversation is itself becoming a condition for Europe’s ability to act.
The EUI community and members of the public are warmly invited to join this EUI Conversation.
The event will be followed by a refreshment.
Please register at the below link only if you wish to attend in presence.
In case you are unable to attend the event in presence, you will be able to follow the livestream on YouTube.
For any additional information please contact EUI.events@eui.eu.
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