Public discussion and summer gathering – European Security and Integration: Review of Multilateral Institutions or Age of Confrontation?
Date/Time
July 9, 2024
18:00 - 20:00 CEST/CET
Place: Dialogbüro Vienna, Eßlinggasse 9/6, 1010 Vienna, 3rd floor
Organizers: Dialogue Office for Civil Society Cooperation & Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM)
Language: English
The event is free, with mandatory pre-registration.
Numerous multilateral crises, but above all Russia’s war against Ukraine, have put the pan-European institutions under considerable pressure. There is no improvement in sight. Russia’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, its blockade of OSCE budgets and decisions, and the renewed spread of authoritarian regimes and nationalist forces across Europe have further undermined the viability and effectiveness of these diplomatic platforms and legal frameworks. The European Union’s enlargement efforts are also at an impasse – at least with regard to the countries of the Western Balkans, the South Caucasus and Turkey – while the membership projections for Ukraine and Moldova are uncertain. At the same time, the ambitions of players such as China and other BRICS states are constantly growing.
This makes the discussion on future multilateral security, cooperation and communication structures in the European area exceedingly urgent. Can the existing institutions emerge from the crisis renewed and strengthened, and what changes and approaches would they need to achieve this? What risks would the loss or further weakening of these formats, which emerged after the Second World War and during the Cold War, entail? Could other formats better manage the task of inclusivity despite all the conflicts and ultimately help to find joint solutions?
The two political scientists Ulrich Schneckener, Professor at the University of Osnabrück, and Sebastian Schäffer, Director of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe, have proposed the creation of a Greater European Council, which would also include countries such as Turkey and would go beyond the value based agenda of the current Council of Europe. During our upcoming panel discussion, they will present their concept and will report on the opportunities this approach might offer. In addition, our panelists will further discuss ways of averting the dangers arising from the incompatibility of authoritarian regimes in Europe with the fundamental values of human rights and international law. Are we threatened by an era of unstable conditions and constantly changing alliances or will we find a way back to common rules, balance and peace via new spaces and platforms?
Panelists:
Hanna Smith, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Ulrich Schneckener, Professor of International Relations & Peace and Conflict Research, University of Osnabrück
Sebastian Schäffer, Director of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM)
Maria Domańska, Expert on Russia and Foreign Policy, Centre for Eastern Studies, Warsaw (tbc)
After the event, we cordially invite you to a small summer gathering. This is a good opportunity to network, discuss projects and plans in a relaxed, informal atmosphere and simply spend a nice summer evening together.
We would be delighted to welcome you to the event and our summer gathering!
Programme:
18:00 – Opening
18:15 – Presentation of the idea and concept of a Greater European Council (Sebastian Schäffer, Ulrich Schneckener)
18.30 – Inputs of the other panelists
18:45 – Fishbowl discussion
20:00 – Start of informal reception (snacks, music, etc.)
Categories
