The Role of Civil Society for Peace: A Discussion on European Security and Resilience (Stockholm / online)

About the event:

In an era marked by complexity and conflict, civil society stands as a crucial pillar for fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development throughout Europe. These actors work tirelessly, creating hope, preventing violence, and strengthening communities. Yet, they face unprecedented threats—not only from rising militarization and political polarization but also through direct pressures such as budget cuts and restrictive policies.

This hybrid event will explore the pivotal role civil society plays in peace building and examine the risks to Europe’s long-term security if these actors are marginalized. We will hear from experts who will discuss challenges faced by civil society, explore alternative approaches to security, and strategize how to support civil society’s mission of advancing a sustainable and just peace across Europe.

Project background:

This event is part of GEF’s work on Peace and Security, where we will focus on strengthening civil society’s role in fostering resilience across Europe. With the growing impact of (far-)right governments, like those in the Netherlands and Sweden, civil society faces increased risks from budget cuts and restrictive policies. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we aim to highlight shared challenges and ways civil society can continue driving sustainable peace in these changing political landscapes.

Speakers:

• Isabella Lövin – Member of the European Parliament for the Greens/European Free Alliance group
• Małgorzata Kopka-Piątek – Head of the European and Migration Policy Programme in the Institute of Public Affairs
• Petra Tötterman Andorff  – Kvinna till Kvinna’s Secretary-General
• Saba Tadele  – Artist and Writer

moderation: Gabriel Liljenström – ACT Swedish Church

Programme:

13:00: Welcome and introduction, featuring poetry by Saba Tadele
13h10: Introduction speech by GEF’s co-president, Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield
13:15: Panel disussion
14:00: Audience Q&A
14:25: Closing words by Saba Tadele

Practicalities:

Date & Time: December 9, 12:00 – 14:30

Location: Draken at SOLIDARITETSRÖRELSENS HUS Tegelviksgatan 40, 116 41 Stockholm, Sweden; hybrid participation available

Languages: The event will be held in English

Registration: Please register in advance to this link.

Watch the recording!

If you missed GEF’s event, you can now watch the full recording here.

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Cogito and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.