On the 4th of March at 5 pm in the Ballroom of the Tyszkiewiczów-Potocki Palace (Krakowskie Przedmieście 32) will take place an open debate about the future of Europe. The debate will be attended by Paweł Kowal, PhD, Ludwika Włodek, PhD, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, PhD, Marcin Kędzierski, PhD and Adam Balcer. The conversation will be led by the journalist, Agnieszka Lichnerowicz.
Elections to the European Parliament, the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine and the prospect of closer Belarus with Russia seeking reintegration of the former Soviet Union will be key events in Europe in 2019. They have a very important common dimension – cultural identity. They are embedded in the fundamental debate that is currently taking place in Europe on the definition of European values, cultural differences and similarities between the eastern and western parts of the continent and the countries belonging to the EU and those remaining outside it. Importantly, Russia also treats the competition with the European Union in Europe as a clash of civilizations promoting as an alternative to European integration Eurasia concepts (the third way, neither Europe nor Asia) and Russian Rus (Orthodoxy, Kievan Rus, Tsarist Russia, USSR, culture and language Russian).
On the other hand, Russia presents itself as a defender of traditional and real European values (including Christianity). Moscow also claims that it is the only one that effectively protects Europe against fascism and radical Islamism. The transformation of the identity of its young inhabitants, among which extreme forces often receive proportionately greater support, is very important for the future of Europe. As a result, a dialogue with young people about the European community and the diverse values and cultural heritage that should connect Europeans today is needed more than ever.
What are the young people’s insights and ideas in this context? What issues should be, in the opinion of young people, the subject of Parliament’s special attention in the next term of office? What could improve the identification of young citizens with Europe? To meet these expectations, WiseEuropa, together with the Eastern European Studies (SEW) of the University of Warsaw, organizes public debate and training workshops as part of the international #EngagEU project. Conducted in several countries is aimed at gathering and discussing ideas about the future of the European Union. Collected in the form of the Manifesto, they will be transferred to newly elected members of the European Parliament.
