The 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 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 utilise this opportunity to break – meaningfully – from historical cycles of violence and exclusion. With the Conference due to conclude on 9 May in Strasbourg, the panel also will explore whether a future constitutional convention, organised in as inclusive and participatory a manner as possible, could provide an opportunity to more broadly, deeply and publicly discuss the EU’s role in the world.
A public webinar of the EUI-STG Democracy Forum, co-organised with Europe Calling, Mehr Demokratie, Pulse of Europe and Citizens Take Over Europe.
PARTNERS
