The Future of Europe – A Panel Discussion at Berlin Science Week

Berlin Science Week, the city's annual festival of science and culture featuring free events across Berlin, takes place from November 1 to 10, 2026. To mark the occasion, the Cultural Foundation Schloss Wiepersdorf, in collaboration with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, is hosting a panel discussion on the future of Europe at the Brandenburg State Representation to the Federal Government.

Legal scholar Esra Demir-Gürsel from Turkey, political scientist Jonathan White from the UK, and literary scholar Ewa Wojno-Owczarska from Poland will come together to explore what lies ahead for Europe in light of today's challenges. At the heart of the discussion are the three following questions: How can the short-term horizons of current political practice be reconciled with the need for long-term and sustainable strategies? How will Europe’s historical role in shaping international human rights evolve – particularly in the face of the growing influence of right-wing populist governments? What role does literature play in the politicization of young people during times of crisis?

This autumn, the three scholars are spending three months as fellows at Schloss Wiepersdorf developing scenarios for Europe’s future. At this event, they will offer a first insight into their work and invite the audience to explore possible futures for Europe with them. The event will be hosted by journalist and political consultant Leonard Novy.

The discussion will be held in English; simultaneous interpretation into German will be provided. Prior registration via the following link is required:

Die Zukunft Europas / The Future of Europe - Brandenburg event registration

More information about the Berlin Science Week: click here

Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Free admission
Vertretung des Landes Brandenburg beim Bund, In den Ministergärten 3, 10117 Berlin

This event takes place as part of the Berlin Science Week and is a collaboration between the Cultural Foundation Schloss Wiepersdorf and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, hosted by the Representation of the State of Brandenburg to the Federal Government.

By attending the event, you agree that the recordings made there may be used for public relations purposes.