Events / Program: Europe’s Futures

	Title	Date	Type	Speakers
	US Perspective of the War in Ukraine	Thu, 09.06.2022	Panels and Discussions	Ivan VejvodaMirjana Tomic, Bruce Stokes, Richard Parker	US Perspective of the War in Ukraine Thu, 09.06.2022 Speakers: Ivan VejvodaMirjana Tomic, Bruce Stokes, Richard Parker Series: Panels and Discussions Washington has pledged support for Ukraine and approved the biggest arms, economic and humanitarian aid package since 1945. It has also provided intelligence and training. What is the political and economic thinking behind current policy decisions? Is there bipartisan support? What have been the main policy debates? How long can the US sustain this high-profile support? Can the midterm elections, scheduled for 8 November 2022, alter political aims and foreign policy priorities? Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, US objectives regarding the outcome of the war seem to be shifting, as several US media noted, from liberating Ukraine to defeating Russia. Is the final goal clear for the US citizens and the Western allies? Does US president Joe Biden have popular support for his policy towards Ukraine? What does the US public think about the war in Ukraine? Is the public ready for long-term support? What has been the role of the media in shaping policies towards Ukraine? Bruce Stokes will explore public attitudes towards the war in Ukraine, Russia, and government policies, while Richard Parker will focus on debates and policy choices that have dominated the US public sphere. Read more
US Perspective of the War in Ukraine Thu, 09.06.2022 Speakers: Ivan VejvodaMirjana Tomic, Bruce Stokes, Richard Parker Series: Panels and Discussions Washington has pledged support for Ukraine and approved the biggest arms, economic and humanitarian aid package since 1945. It has also provided intelligence and training. What is the political and economic thinking behind current policy decisions? Is there bipartisan support? What have been the main policy debates? How long can the US sustain this high-profile support? Can the midterm elections, scheduled for 8 November 2022, alter political aims and foreign policy priorities? Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, US objectives regarding the outcome of the war seem to be shifting, as several US media noted, from liberating Ukraine to defeating Russia. Is the final goal clear for the US citizens and the Western allies? Does US president Joe Biden have popular support for his policy towards Ukraine? What does the US public think about the war in Ukraine? Is the public ready for long-term support? What has been the role of the media in shaping policies towards Ukraine? Bruce Stokes will explore public attitudes towards the war in Ukraine, Russia, and government policies, while Richard Parker will focus on debates and policy choices that have dominated the US public sphere. Read more
	Time to Decide Europe Summit	Fri, 20.05.2022	Conferences and Workshops	Dimitar Bechev Gerald Knaus Heather Grabbe Ivan Krastev Ivan Vejvoda Ivana Dragičević Karolina Wigura Maxim Trudolyubov Misha Glenny Nathalie Tocci Nikola Dimitrov Olivia Lazard Serhii Plokhii Stefan Lehne Stephen Holmes Sławomir Sierakowski Zsuzsanna SzelényiMarina Davydova, Florence Gaub, Anna Jermolaewa, Marta Pardavi, Susanne Scholl, Želimir Žilnik	Time to Decide Europe Summit Fri, 20.05.2022 Speakers: Dimitar Bechev Gerald Knaus Heather Grabbe Ivan Krastev Ivan Vejvoda Ivana Dragičević Karolina Wigura Maxim Trudolyubov Misha Glenny Nathalie Tocci Nikola Dimitrov Olivia Lazard Serhii Plokhii Stefan Lehne Stephen Holmes Sławomir Sierakowski Zsuzsanna SzelényiMarina Davydova, Florence Gaub, Anna Jermolaewa, Marta Pardavi, Susanne Scholl, Želimir Žilnik Series: Conferences and Workshops In the early hours of 24 February 2022, Europe woke up to a grave new world. Something considered unthinkable after WWII had happened, and the European security order was blown up. Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine put an end to the “end of history” era, which had begun in 1989. This attack has triggered events in Europe that had been previously unimaginable. We want to look ahead and think about the consequences of these dramatic events for Ukraine, for Europe and the EU, and for Russia. ERSTE Foundation and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) have invited some of the brightest minds to start a debate on the difficult questions that Europe is facing today and the answers that will determine the future. Read more
Time to Decide Europe Summit Fri, 20.05.2022 Speakers: Dimitar Bechev Gerald Knaus Heather Grabbe Ivan Krastev Ivan Vejvoda Ivana Dragičević Karolina Wigura Maxim Trudolyubov Misha Glenny Nathalie Tocci Nikola Dimitrov Olivia Lazard Serhii Plokhii Stefan Lehne Stephen Holmes Sławomir Sierakowski Zsuzsanna SzelényiMarina Davydova, Florence Gaub, Anna Jermolaewa, Marta Pardavi, Susanne Scholl, Želimir Žilnik Series: Conferences and Workshops In the early hours of 24 February 2022, Europe woke up to a grave new world. Something considered unthinkable after WWII had happened, and the European security order was blown up. Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine put an end to the “end of history” era, which had begun in 1989. This attack has triggered events in Europe that had been previously unimaginable. We want to look ahead and think about the consequences of these dramatic events for Ukraine, for Europe and the EU, and for Russia. ERSTE Foundation and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) have invited some of the brightest minds to start a debate on the difficult questions that Europe is facing today and the answers that will determine the future. Read more
	How Does - And How Should - The EU Tell Europe’s Story to the World?	Tue, 05.04.2022	Panels and Discussions	Ivan Vejvoda Julia De Clerck-Sachsse Luuk van MiddelaarNathalie Tocci	How Does - And How Should - The EU Tell Europe’s Story to the World? Tue, 05.04.2022 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Julia De Clerck-Sachsse Luuk van MiddelaarNathalie Tocci Series: Panels and Discussions In addition to the battlefield, today’s confrontation of alternative ideologies is increasingly playing out in the realm of words. States and non-state actors alike routinely use disinformation and ‘alternative facts’ to sow confusion, breed fear, and undermine trust. In this brave new world, a compelling narrative will be paramount for the survival of the European project. How can the European Union best tell its story in these difficult times? Read more
How Does - And How Should - The EU Tell Europe’s Story to the World? Tue, 05.04.2022 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Julia De Clerck-Sachsse Luuk van MiddelaarNathalie Tocci Series: Panels and Discussions In addition to the battlefield, today’s confrontation of alternative ideologies is increasingly playing out in the realm of words. States and non-state actors alike routinely use disinformation and ‘alternative facts’ to sow confusion, breed fear, and undermine trust. In this brave new world, a compelling narrative will be paramount for the survival of the European project. How can the European Union best tell its story in these difficult times? Read more
	Ukraine and the Future of Europe	Tue, 05.04.2022	Conferences and Workshops	Ivan Vejvoda Katherine YoungerTimothy Garton Ash	Ukraine and the Future of Europe Tue, 05.04.2022 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Katherine YoungerTimothy Garton Ash Series: Conferences and Workshops As Ukrainians resist the Russian assault on their country, they speak powerfully of defending the principles and values on which the European project rests, and of Ukraine's place in Europe. The war has opened an opportunity for the European Union to reaffirm its purpose, as not merely an economic union but a normative alliance. Will this moment of European unity and resolve lead to lasting change? What can Ukraine expect from Europe? And what can Europe learn from Ukraine? Read more
Ukraine and the Future of Europe Tue, 05.04.2022 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Katherine YoungerTimothy Garton Ash Series: Conferences and Workshops As Ukrainians resist the Russian assault on their country, they speak powerfully of defending the principles and values on which the European project rests, and of Ukraine's place in Europe. The war has opened an opportunity for the European Union to reaffirm its purpose, as not merely an economic union but a normative alliance. Will this moment of European unity and resolve lead to lasting change? What can Ukraine expect from Europe? And what can Europe learn from Ukraine? Read more
	European Strategic Autonomy - What Now in the Western Balkans	Tue, 15.03.2022	Panels and Discussions	Ioannis Armakolas	European Strategic Autonomy - What Now in the Western Balkans Tue, 15.03.2022 Speakers: Ioannis Armakolas Series: Panels and Discussions The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a watershed moment for the European Union’s geopolitical ambitions. It also brings the Western Balkans back on the strategic map. In this region in Europe, uncompleted reform processes, persisting socio-economic fragilities, ethnonational and bilateral issues and stalled EU accession perspectives have lastingly fuelled key vulnerabilities, which external actors, like Russia, have been keen on exploiting. What is the impact, actual and potential, of the Russian war in Ukraine on the Western Balkans? How to align the enlargement policy with the EU’s crucial quest for strategic autonomy? What are Member states’ national perspectives on these important questions? Read more
European Strategic Autonomy - What Now in the Western Balkans Tue, 15.03.2022 Speakers: Ioannis Armakolas Series: Panels and Discussions The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a watershed moment for the European Union’s geopolitical ambitions. It also brings the Western Balkans back on the strategic map. In this region in Europe, uncompleted reform processes, persisting socio-economic fragilities, ethnonational and bilateral issues and stalled EU accession perspectives have lastingly fuelled key vulnerabilities, which external actors, like Russia, have been keen on exploiting. What is the impact, actual and potential, of the Russian war in Ukraine on the Western Balkans? How to align the enlargement policy with the EU’s crucial quest for strategic autonomy? What are Member states’ national perspectives on these important questions? Read more
	North Macedonia As A Test-Case For Europe’s Credibility	Wed, 26.01.2022	Panels and Discussions	Ivan Vejvoda Ruzha Smilova Zoran NechevNikola Dimitrov	North Macedonia As A Test-Case For Europe’s Credibility Wed, 26.01.2022 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Ruzha Smilova Zoran NechevNikola Dimitrov Series: Panels and Discussions North Macedonia - after the historic Prespa Agreement reached with Greece in June 2018 - has been blocked from moving forward on its EU accession path from October 2019 by France and since last year by Bulgaria. Albania's EU fate is coupled to that of North Macedonia. This issue has a broader significance for the EU enlargement policy as well as for the credibility of the EU as a peace project and for its declared geostrategic goals. Read more
North Macedonia As A Test-Case For Europe’s Credibility Wed, 26.01.2022 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Ruzha Smilova Zoran NechevNikola Dimitrov Series: Panels and Discussions North Macedonia - after the historic Prespa Agreement reached with Greece in June 2018 - has been blocked from moving forward on its EU accession path from October 2019 by France and since last year by Bulgaria. Albania's EU fate is coupled to that of North Macedonia. This issue has a broader significance for the EU enlargement policy as well as for the credibility of the EU as a peace project and for its declared geostrategic goals. Read more
	Shifting Sands: The Lure of “Alignments a la Carte” and the True Meaning of “America is Back”	Tue, 25.01.2022	Lecture	Soli Özel Ivan Krastev	Shifting Sands: The Lure of “Alignments a la Carte” and the True Meaning of “America is Back” Tue, 25.01.2022 Speakers: Soli Özel Ivan Krastev Series: Lecture Because the Trump administration was such a harrowing experience for most European countries, for the EU itself and many others around the world the election of Joe Biden resulted in a deep sigh of relief. In power, Biden moved fast domestically and talked the good talk towards allies in various platforms. Yet, nearly ten months into his term Biden’s policies suggest a surprising degree of continuity with his immediate predecessor. He is also finally putting more substance into President Obama’s “pivot to Asia” strategy. In an age when the United States turns its attention and most of its resources to competing with China and containing Beijing’s ambition, what is Europe to do? In light of the American nonchalance about European allies, is the “strategic autonomy” championed by President Macron of France the way out? Should Europeans really choose between China and the US as Washington clearly wants them to? Would German disdain for claiming strategic leadership and the Europeans’ own complacency turn Europe into a geopolitical void? The new era in international relations is full of surprises and fluidity. Nimble political reflexes and strategic will are of utmost importance. Will the EU deploy them where it can and must? Read more
Shifting Sands: The Lure of “Alignments a la Carte” and the True Meaning of “America is Back” Tue, 25.01.2022 Speakers: Soli Özel Ivan Krastev Series: Lecture Because the Trump administration was such a harrowing experience for most European countries, for the EU itself and many others around the world the election of Joe Biden resulted in a deep sigh of relief. In power, Biden moved fast domestically and talked the good talk towards allies in various platforms. Yet, nearly ten months into his term Biden’s policies suggest a surprising degree of continuity with his immediate predecessor. He is also finally putting more substance into President Obama’s “pivot to Asia” strategy. In an age when the United States turns its attention and most of its resources to competing with China and containing Beijing’s ambition, what is Europe to do? In light of the American nonchalance about European allies, is the “strategic autonomy” championed by President Macron of France the way out? Should Europeans really choose between China and the US as Washington clearly wants them to? Would German disdain for claiming strategic leadership and the Europeans’ own complacency turn Europe into a geopolitical void? The new era in international relations is full of surprises and fluidity. Nimble political reflexes and strategic will are of utmost importance. Will the EU deploy them where it can and must? Read more
	The Future of Belarus in Europe	Tue, 23.11.2021	Panels and Discussions	Katherine Younger Wojciech PrzybylskiSviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Christian Ultsch, Franak Viačorka	The Future of Belarus in Europe Tue, 23.11.2021 Speakers: Katherine Younger Wojciech PrzybylskiSviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Christian Ultsch, Franak Viačorka Series: Panels and Discussions What is the place of Belarus on the Western political agenda? How does the current situation impinge on future cooperation? Over the past year Belarus has made its mark Europeans’ mental map as a country with a vibrant civil society and the potential for democratic change. Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s authoritarian regime, in power for the last 27 years, has thwarted every attempt at change. He lost the presidential election in August 2020 and is holding society hostage domestically. He has also begun to threaten the EU. Unprecedented pressure is being put on the European block through the weaponization of refugees and migrants from MENA countries, who are brought on purpose to the borders of the EU by the regime. The European Union is seeking ways to respond to this most serious of challenges. That response entails weighing risks and opportunities for the future of the continent. What will the future hold for Belarus in Europe? Read more
The Future of Belarus in Europe Tue, 23.11.2021 Speakers: Katherine Younger Wojciech PrzybylskiSviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Christian Ultsch, Franak Viačorka Series: Panels and Discussions What is the place of Belarus on the Western political agenda? How does the current situation impinge on future cooperation? Over the past year Belarus has made its mark Europeans’ mental map as a country with a vibrant civil society and the potential for democratic change. Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s authoritarian regime, in power for the last 27 years, has thwarted every attempt at change. He lost the presidential election in August 2020 and is holding society hostage domestically. He has also begun to threaten the EU. Unprecedented pressure is being put on the European block through the weaponization of refugees and migrants from MENA countries, who are brought on purpose to the borders of the EU by the regime. The European Union is seeking ways to respond to this most serious of challenges. That response entails weighing risks and opportunities for the future of the continent. What will the future hold for Belarus in Europe? Read more
	The German Elections and Europe's Future	Thu, 30.09.2021	Panels and Discussions	Ivan Vejvoda Olivia Lazard Valbona Zeneli Zoran NechevRoderick Parkes	The German Elections and Europe's Future Thu, 30.09.2021 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Olivia Lazard Valbona Zeneli Zoran NechevRoderick Parkes Series: Panels and Discussions The panel addressed the results of the elections from three regions of Europe by researchers who are this year's Europe's Futures Fellows, together with a view from Berlin offered by the research director of the German Council for Foreign Relations DGAP. Read more
The German Elections and Europe's Future Thu, 30.09.2021 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Olivia Lazard Valbona Zeneli Zoran NechevRoderick Parkes Series: Panels and Discussions The panel addressed the results of the elections from three regions of Europe by researchers who are this year's Europe's Futures Fellows, together with a view from Berlin offered by the research director of the German Council for Foreign Relations DGAP. Read more
	Europe's Futures Colloquium	Tue, 28.09.2021	Seminars and Colloquia	Ivan Vejvoda Soli Özel Valbona Zeneli	Europe's Futures Colloquium Tue, 28.09.2021 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Soli Özel Valbona Zeneli Series: Seminars and Colloquia The Transatlantic relationship between Europe and the United States is being challenged in a variety of ways. The situation in Southeastern Europe and Turkey adds to this complexity but also opens alleys for cooperation. Foreign malign influence is growing in the candidate-countries of the Western Balkans, highlighting the vacuum and the economic, security and environmental risks created after the recent “deepening-before-widening [of the European Union]” policy shift that has put the accession processes on hold. In the immediate vicinity, Turkey has been going through cycles of internal and external conflicts that have further strained relations with the European Union already damaged by the effective removal of Turkey’s accession prospects. This session offered detailed insight and expert views from two of 2021-22 Europe’s Futures Fellows, Valbona Zeneli and Soli Özel. In a conversation facilitated by Ivan Vejvoda, they examined the routes for the Western Balkans’ candidate-countries to be drawn closer – and in - to the European Union, as well as the likely scenarios for future political developments in Turkey. Read more
Europe's Futures Colloquium Tue, 28.09.2021 Speakers: Ivan Vejvoda Soli Özel Valbona Zeneli Series: Seminars and Colloquia The Transatlantic relationship between Europe and the United States is being challenged in a variety of ways. The situation in Southeastern Europe and Turkey adds to this complexity but also opens alleys for cooperation. Foreign malign influence is growing in the candidate-countries of the Western Balkans, highlighting the vacuum and the economic, security and environmental risks created after the recent “deepening-before-widening [of the European Union]” policy shift that has put the accession processes on hold. In the immediate vicinity, Turkey has been going through cycles of internal and external conflicts that have further strained relations with the European Union already damaged by the effective removal of Turkey’s accession prospects. This session offered detailed insight and expert views from two of 2021-22 Europe’s Futures Fellows, Valbona Zeneli and Soli Özel. In a conversation facilitated by Ivan Vejvoda, they examined the routes for the Western Balkans’ candidate-countries to be drawn closer – and in - to the European Union, as well as the likely scenarios for future political developments in Turkey. Read more