► To the event report
Civil society actors advocating for human rights are facing increasing political repression not only in authoritarian states, but also in other parts of the world – ranging from legal restrictions and digital interventions such as internet shutdowns, to physical violence, and even lethal attacks. The EU is committed to the protection of human rights and to supporting civil society initiatives. Yet how effective are these measures in practice? Where do they come into conflict with economic or geopolitical interests? And, in light of shifting global power dynamics, what role can Europe still realistically play?
This Crisis Talk brings together political, academic, and civil society perspectives to examine current challenges, regional examples, and Europe’s role – from development cooperation to foreign policy. The discussion aims to explore what concrete actions the EU can take to enhance the protection and effectiveness of civil society engagement worldwide.
The Crisis Talks series, organized by the Leibniz Research Alliance “Crises in a Globalised World”, addresses how the European Union deals with crises and what we have learned from past events. The Leibniz Europe Office and the Normative Orders Research Network at Goethe University Frankfurt are also involved.
Program
Welcome:
Dr. Parinas Parhisi, Head of Unit Fundamental Issues at the Representation of the State of Hessen to the EU
Keynote:
Prof. Dr. Jonas Wolff (TraCe/PRIF)
Paneldiscussion:
Prof. Dr. Jonas Wolff & Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament
Comment on the Keynote: Perspectives from a workshop on civil society engagement and violence
Tina Cramer, Scientific Coordination, TraCe
Moderation:
Ralph Sina, WDR author and freelance journalist
- When? 6 November 2025, Light Lunch from 12:30, Event starts at 13:00
- Where? Representation of the State of Hessen to the European Union, 21, Rue Montoyer, 1000 Brussels
Simultaneous interpretation (English/German).