Europe On Prove

For decades, Hannes Swoboda has observed and helped shape European politics from various perspectives. His 80th birthday provides an opportunity to debate Europe’s future in a world where the geopolitical, economic, and social order is undergoing fundamental change.

This test of resilience is taking place on two levels: In foreign policy, global power dynamics are shifting, new centers of power are emerging, and Europe finds itself caught between major powers, war, trade conflicts, and growing global competition. At the same time, European societies are grappling with migration and diversity, polarization, social and cultural tensions, and technological upheavals. Two panels, two perspectives, one question: What kind of Europe do we want?

Welcome & Opening Remarks:
Michael Ludwig, Mayor and Governor of Vienna
Angelika Fitz, Director of the Architekturzentrum Wien

Panel I: Geopolitics and Geoeconomics – Can Europe Shape Global Politics?
What role can Europe play in the new world order? Can the EU collectively represent its interests while upholding its values?
Panelists: Stephanie Fenkart, Mario Holzner, Markus Reisner, Astrid Seville, Hannes Swoboda
Moderated by: Elke Schraik

Panel II: Society, Culture, and Science – What Holds Europe Together from Within?
What does Europe need to remain open, innovative, and capable of taking action? What role do science, education, art, culture, and architecture play in bridging social divides and creating spaces for encounter and new ideas?
Panelists: Angelika Fitz, Margarethe Prinz-Büchl (tbc), Ruth Wodak, Hannes Swoboda, Wilhelm Behensky
Moderated by: Elke Schraik

An event organized by: Architekturzentrum Wien, Denk.Raum.Fresach, Hochschule Campus Wien, Internationales Institut für den Frieden, Sir Peter Ustinov Institut und Wiener Institut für Internationale Wirtschaftsvergleiche