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Nov 29 2024
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Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe (Sofia)

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About the event:

GEF is hosting a festive launch event in Sofia to spotlight the Bulgarian edition of our publication “Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe.” This will be followed by an expert roundtable delving deeper into the policy dilemmas and potential synergies of Europe’s ecological and geopolitical security. Both events will bring together green activists, experts, researchers, policymakers, and civil society representatives, including inputs and interventions from other parts of Europe.

Project background:

In the project “Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe”, the Green European Foundation and its partners explored the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project worked to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. Find out more about the project and its findings at geopoliticspostgrowth.eu.

Programme and speakers:

Festive book launch and reception (Saturday, 30 November, 13:00 – 14:30)
With speeches and interventions by:

  • Natalie Bennett, Green member of the UK House of Lords and member of the editorial board of the Green European Journal
  • Carlos Teixeira, co-president of Instituto José Tengarrinha, Portugal
  • Daniela Bojinova, Direct Participation Expert and Democracy International Board Member, Co-Chair, Bulgarian Green Movement

Expert roundtable: Geopolitical versus Ecological Security? Green policy dilemmas at a time of wars and pressure against European democratic values (Sunday, 1 December, 9:00 – 10:30)

  • Keynote presentation by Richard Wouters (Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks)
  • Moderated by Pavel Antonov (BlueLink)
  • Discussants include: Daniela Bojinova (Direct Participation Expert and Democracy International Board Member, Co-Chair of the Bulgarian Green Movement), Borislav Sandov (former Deputy Prime Minister, Climate Policies), Magdalena Maleeva (Founder, Gorichka.bg), Dimitar Sabev (Green Economist, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), Assen Nenov (Degrowth/Postgrowth Expert, Climate Fresc and Circular Economy Institute)

Practicalities:

Date and Time: November 30th (13:00-14:30) & December 1st (9:00-10:30)

Location: Krasno Selo Culture House, Sofia

Language: The event will take place primarily in Bulgarian, with some interventions in English. Whisper translation will be provided where necessary.

Registration: Both events are open to the general public, but you can register in advance via this link.

 

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

Oct 10 2024
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Crisis Cascades: Green Responses to Europe’s Polycrisis (Vilnius)

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About the event:

The term polycrisis has become a central feature of the European public debate. From pandemic and supply chain disruptions to war, cost-of-living, and climate breakdown, today’s compounding crises feed insecurity, instability, and distrust, with significant repercussions for EU integration and democracy. This is felt particularly acutely on Europe’s Eastern flank.

By discussing and connecting (in)security in all its facets – including social, ecological, and geopolitical – this event aims to confront the crisis cascades with equally multiplying solutions. What are the (green) tools and visions that can bolster security and resilience? What does crisis preparedness look like in practice, at local, national, and European level? And what lessons do the Baltic states hold for the rest of Europe in this regard?

We are gathering civil society, academics, activists and others from Lithuania and beyond to exchange on these questions and ideas in a series of lectures, panel debates, and discussion moments. Join us in Vilnius or online to contribute to this effort!

Project background:

Since 2022, GEF has used its unique connector position within and beyond the green movement to feed and define conversations on peace and security in Europe, and to bring diverse and multifaceted angles to the (geopolitical) discussion table. This conference continues those efforts, seeking to develop future-proof politics and policies for a more just, sustainable, and resilient Europe.

Programme and speakers:

Monday, November 11th

10:00 – 10:30    Welcome and opening remarks

with Laurent Standaert (GEF) and Eglė Radišauskienė (Institute of Democracy)

10:30 – 10:45     (Social) Security and Crisis Response: The EU’s Role and Responsibilities

with Julie Pascoet (European Network Against Racism)

10:45 – 11:15       Keynote lecture with Q&A: Putting the “Social” Back in Security

with Prof. Boguslavas Gruževskis (Vilnius University)

11:15 – 12:30     Panel debate: Social Safety in Times of Crisis – Lessons and Impact of the Pandemic and War in Ukraine

with Prof. Boguslavas Gruževskis (Vilnius University), Aistė Adomavičienė (National Network of Poverty Reduction Organizations), Jekaterina Rojaka (DSVL), moderated by Linas Kukuraitis (DSVL) 

12:30 – 14:00     Lunch and networking

14:00 – 14:30    Keynote lecture with Q&A: Balancing Security and Freedom – The Role of Democracy in Crisis Response

with Vytautas Valentinavičius (Kaunas University of Technology)

14:30 – 16:00    Regional panorama: Geopolitical Greens? Providing Credible yet Critical Responses in Times of Security Crisis

with Elina Pinto (Progresīvie), Klaudia Jachira (Zieloni), Lukas Savickas (DSVL), Michelle Haas (UGent), Indre Vareikyte (communications and gender equality expert, previously at EESC), moderated by Laurent Standaert (GEF)

16:00 – 20:00   Break

20:00 – 21:00   Building Resilience: Tomas Tomilinas and Elina Pinto on Green Lessons from the Baltics

Tuesday, November 12th

10:00 – 10:30    Keynote lecture with Q&A: Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe

with Richard Wouters (Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks)

10:30 – 12:00    Panel debate: Security and the Climate Crisis – Common Agendas or Clashing Priorities?

with Karolina Eklow (climate and security expert), Yuliia Melnyk (Ekoltava), Dominika Lasota (climate justice activist), Richard Wouters (Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks), moderated by Tomas Tomilinas (DSVL),

12:00 – 13:30     Break

13:30 – 16:30    Optional cultural programme: Gediminas castle visit

Practicalities:

Date: 11-12 November, 2024

Location: National Library of Lithuania – Gedimino pr. 51, Vilnius, Lithuania. Please arrive on time!

Language: The main language of the conference will be English, but some sessions or interventions may be in Lithuanian as well. In that case, simultaneous translation will be provided.   

Participation: This is a hybrid event, so participation is possible both in person and online. Please register in advance via this link. If you have any questions, please email sien.hasker@gef.eu.

_______________________________________

This conference is organised by the Green European Foundation, with the support of the Institute of Democracy and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Jul 11 2024
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Tbilisi Security Conference

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About the event:

Despite the ideals and efforts of several generations to bring lasting peace to Europe and the world, armed conflict and escalation remain a daily presence in the lives of many young Europeans – whether in their direct lived experience, their fears for the future, or their contacts and solidarity with peers elsewhere. This includes not just Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but also violence in the South Caucasus and Gaza, among others. While the Green movement is rooted in non-violence and pacifism, these terms are at times vaguely defined and understood within and outside the Green movement. They are also easier to defend in times of peace.

This one-day conference in Tbilisi will spotlight and dive deeper into GEF’s ongoing work on geopolitics, peace, and security, combining expert inputs with non-formal education on topics ranging from peacebuilding in practice, to environment and security, to green practice and proposals on European defence. With a particular focus on enlargement as well as youth perspectives, the conference aims to be a space for learning and reflection, and to highlight green visions for a safer Europe and world.

 

Project background:

This project connects directly to GEF’s thematic priority Geopolitics, Peace, and Security, as well as the transversal focus on youth. It also supports our strategic focus on bringing the green wave to Southern and Eastern Europe, and provides an important opportunity to spotlight and discuss GEF’s most recent peace and security publications.

Programme:

9:30-10:15       –        Opening 

10:15-11:45       –       Plenary panel: Paradigm shifts and non-violence today

With Laurent Standaert (Director of the Green European Foundation), Giorgi Ptskialadze (Former Secretary General of CDN), Yevheniia Bryhinets (CDN Executive Committee), Joanna Kaminska (Policy Advisor and mediation expert at the European Parliament – online) . Moderation: Igor Skórzybót (CDN Sec-Gen)

11:45-12:00       –      Coffee break

12:00-13:30     –       Green perspectives on European Security – visions and testimonies

You can read the featured articles and testimonies via this link.

With Tatia Ishkneli (“Queer security in Georgia”), Serdar Şengezer (“Securitization of Migration in Europe: Processes, Influences, and Paths to De-Securitization”), Natalia Volyk (“The security of Europe through the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war”), Nijat Guliyev (“Navigating Challenges: Queer Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus and EU”), and Kateryna Andrieieva (Study Session and Security Toolkit). Moderation: Filip Janković (CDN EC)

13:30-15:00     –      Lunch

15:00-16:30     –       Parallel sessions: Peacebuilding and reconciliation

With Joanna Kaminska (Policy Advisor and mediation expert at the European Parliament – online), Maria Khachatrian (Frontline Youth Network), Nikola Kožul (Human Rights Lawyer at Serb National Council, Vice President of Sustainable Development Forum – Green Window). Moderation: Cemre Nayir (CDN EC)

15:00-16:30     –       Parallel sessions: Environment and security

With Yevheniia Zasiadko (Climate Policy Expert, Razom we Stand), Mariam Yeghiazaryan (CSN Lab), Aliaksei Auchynnikau (Ukraine War Environmental Consequences Work Group). Moderation: Lena Anna Kuklińska (FYEG,  Anonymous for the Voiceless)

17:00-18:30     –        Interview: Green defence policy in practice

With Progresīvie (Latvia)

18:30-18:40     –       Closing 

 

Practicalities:

Date and Time: 11th of August, 9:30AM-6:30PM CEST

Location: Fabrika Hostel, 8 Egnate Ninoshvili Street, Tbilisi, Georgia

Language: English

Registration: This one-day conference is open to all interested participants. However, you must register in advance via THIS LINK.

Contact: Please email anthony.msika@gef.eu if you have any further questions or concerns, or if you would like GEF to cover your travel or accommodation to this event (support available on a limited basis).

 

This Summer School is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of the Cooperation and Development Network in Eastern Europe (CDNEE) and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Jun 17 2024
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Green Approaches to Security and Defence

By Publications

In a shifting geopolitical landscape, Greens are grappling with the interplay between their traditional pacifist roots and the post-February 2022 security challenges. This report delves into their evolving stances on key defence issues, from EU military cooperation to disarmament, offering insights into the varied approaches adopted by Green parties from eight EU countries. Expert viewpoints featured throughout provide further feedback and inputs as to what a Green defence policy could (or should) look like. As Europe navigates turbulent waters, the report calls for renewed commitment to progressive and principled approaches to security and defence.

The report is structured into five chapters that address important EU military challenges. They portray a nuanced understanding of European security dynamics among Green parties, reflecting varying national contexts, strategic cultures, and historical perspectives. This report thus provides a clear mapping of green defence thinking across Europe, including points of convergence, gaps, and tensions. Complemented by the expert views, it gives a solid basis for further discussion within and beyond the Greens, to strengthen defence and security policy while maintaining a critical and progressive voice, even in uncertain times.

Chapter 1 delves into the complex institutional landscape of security and defence in Europe. It examines the debates surrounding the identity of the EU and looks at the respective roles of the EU and NATO as security providers.

Chapter 2 focuses on military expenditures and budget allocation. It discusses differing perspectives among Green parties on the use of GDP to set defence government budgets and on how these should be allocated.

Chapter 3 explores Green parties’ opinions on defence industrial policies broadly understood. It examines Green positions on grant programs put in place by the EU and shows diverging opinions on the allocation of public funds to industry.

Chapter 4 analyses positions on nuclear deterrence, disarmament, and arms control. Green parties generally continue to oppose the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, but the war in Ukraine has led some to revise their position on its effectiveness.

Chapter 5 delves into the intertwined concepts of civic militarism, civil protection and non-violence; their implications for military involvement in security as well as civilian participation to defence.

 

This report is a call to action for Green parties to embrace their role as catalysts for progressive security policies. By navigating the complexities of modern security with creativity, Greens can contribute to shaping a peace-oriented, sustainable, and common European security architecture.

 

About the authors

Agatha Verdebout is a researcher and deputy director at GRIP. Her main area of expertise is international peace and security law.

Anne Xuan Nguyen is a researcher at GRIP. Working more broadly on security and environmental issues, she specializes in conflict-related pollution and its remediation.

 

This report is also available in:

Greek – German

This study was conducted by the Green European Foundation with the support of Etopia , Cogito , Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe, and Sustainable Development Forum Green Window . The study was commissioned by GEF to the Groupe de recherche et d’information sur la paix et la sécurité (GRIP). It is published with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.

Apr 18 2024
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Navigating NATO

By Publications

Green and progressive parties across Europe have historically held a sceptical view towards the military industry and defence alliances such as NATO. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine spotlighted existing security vulnerabilities and profoundly shifted the public and political debate. In this context, Greens may have differing attitudes towards NATO, but find themselves in the political reality of not if but how to engage within it. Based on desk research and expert interviews from ten European countries, this report explores different ways that greens and progressives can influence NATO, and the risks and opportunities this entails.

 

It is important to bring alternative thinking into mainstream and conservative security spaces, and with more Greens in parliaments and governments across the continent, there is both the room and need for greater influence and expertise.

 

About the author

Sarah Bitamazire

Sarah Bitamazire is a policy expert on international human rights law and foreign policy work in conflict and high-risk environments. She is currently Chief Policy Officer at Lumiera, a boutique advisory firm with policy, tech, and business expertise that equips organisations with responsible AI strategies. Prior to this she was at the heart of the Swedish policy debate on defence and foreign affairs, developing policy ideas for the Swedish Greens. Sarah is specialised in Public International Law and Human Rights Law, and holds a Law Degree from Uppsala University and Leiden University.

 

This report is also available in:

Greek – German

This study was conducted by the Green European Foundation with the support of Cogito. It is published with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.

Nov 06 2023
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How Can Greens and Progressives Influence NATO?

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About the event: 

Green and progressive parties across Europe have historically held a sceptical view towards NATO, with many deeming such a military alliance incompatible with disarmament and a shift towards non-military solutions to international conflicts.  

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine shifted some of these stances, prompting extensive internal and external debates within the green movement, particularly in Western and Northern Europe. These debates have cast a light on the desperate need for a green and progressive policy path within security and defence issues, and revealed gaps that exist within green and progressive parties’ positions on military defence.  

To contribute to this crucial European debate, GEF commissioned a report with the support of Cogito that maps out stances towards NATO across Europe, explores how Greens and progressives can influence NATO, and asks specific questions around topics like nuclear disarmament or focusing on European defence cooperation instead.  

This webinar will present some key findings of the working paper, and discuss these questions further with a panel of interviewees.   

Project background: 

With a focus on the Eastern flank of Europe, the 2022-2023 debates series seeks to enrich green and political ecology discourse. The series aim to provide spaces to hear the voices of green actors, peace and security experts, as well as partners from different regions. With the support of Cogito, GEF is delving specifically into the question of NATO and anchoring the green movement’s debates on this topic within its many historical and geographical dimensions. 

Speakers:

  • Jacob Risberg, Miljöpartiet de gröna 
  • Atte Harjanne, Vihreät  
  • Merle Spellerberg, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen 
  • Andrés Ingi, Píratar 
  • Moderated by Sarah Bitamazire (report author) 

Practicalities: 

Date and Time: November 8th (20:30 – 22:00 CET) 

Language: English   

Registration: This is an online event, please register in advance via this link. 

This webinar 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. 

Sep 27 2023
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The Geopolitics of Degrowth (London)

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About the event

Can the UK and the European Union be the first to renounce economic growth but still be global players? What are the tensions, as well as important synergies, in trying to bring about such a transition of our economic systems and international relations at the same time?

This event brings together leading academic and political voices to consider how we might transform our economy away from one predicated on growth, and what this means for our diplomatic and trade relations, as well as defense policy, arms control, and the threats posed by current and future conflicts, including in Ukraine.

 

Project background

This event is part of GEF’s project Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe, which explores the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project aims to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. It aims to find solutions beyond naïve anti-militarism and convenient belief in green growth. Find out more about the project and its findings at geopoliticspostgrowth.eu.

Speakers

  • Casper Wits – Lecturer in East Asian Studies, Leiden University
  • Frank Meeussen – Diplomatic Advisor to Belgian Deputy-Prime Minister George Gilkinet, Ecolo
  • Gabriela Cabana-Alvear – Transdisciplinary scholar and degrowth researcher, London School of Economics
  • Marissa Conway – CEO, United Nations Association UK
  • Prof. Peter Newell – Professor of International Relations, University of Sussex

 

Programme:

15:00 – 15:30    Arrivals and welcome (London venue)

Introductions from UK-UNA, Green House and the Green European Foundation

15:30 – 16:30    Session 1: How will a degrowth agenda impact on international relations?

  • Casper Wits: China-Europe relationships – what will the future look like?
  • Gabriela Cabana-Alvear: The EU-Chile trade agreement – a degrowth perspective
  • Prof: Peter Newell: Steering away from extractivism

Short presentations followed by panel discussion.

16:30 – 16:45    Break

16:45 – 17:45     Session 2: Defence policy in a post-growth world

  • Frank Meeussen: Arms control as a condition for a post-growth world
  • Marissa Conway: Shifting away from Militarism.

Short presentations followed by panel discussion.

17:45 – 18:00    Closing discussion

 

Practicalities:

Date and Time: October 17th, 15:00 – 18:00 BST (UK time).

Location: This is a hybrid event. You can join online via Zoom or in person at the United Nations Association of the UK – 3 Whitehall Court, London, United Kingdom.

Language:  English

Registration: Please register in advance via this form. Registration is required both for online and in person participants. Spots in the venue are limited, so register quickly and do notify us if you can no longer make it, via events@greenhousethinktank.org.

 

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

Sep 27 2023
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Green Perspectives on European Security

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About the event

Despite the ideals and the efforts of several generations to stop wars, the reality is that armed conflicts are still ravaging societies worldwide. Besides the most brutal war affecting the youth in Europe, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, armed conflicts continue to rise in South Caucasus, Turkey, and the Balkans. While the Green movement is rooted in non-violence and pacifism, it’s also vaguely defined and understood within and outside the Green movement. These principles are also easier to defend in peaceful times. However, these conflicts and the aspects of life (such as energy, infrastructure, food, housing) once again remind us that we need to have a better definition of non-violence, pacifism, peace, security, and stability. During this Study Session, the green youth of Europe will consider these issues and discuss them with the experts directly working on and around the impacts of these conflicts on energy security, digital security, propaganda, media, freedom of speech, and civil society activities.

 

Project background

This event is a part of Green European Foundation’s Green Visions on European Security project, which aims to explore how the Greens could adopt the necessary tools to understand contemporary conflicts and develop mechanisms to anticipate, respond, and terminate them. By facilitating a frank discussion on key tension points and vacuums, across historical, geographical, and national sensitivities, and with political ecology values at its core, GEF and its partners contribute to the green movement’s reflections and anchoring of an updated vision on security and defence.

 

Programme and Speakers:

10:00 – 11:30      Session on Energy Security

  • Olena Rutkovska – project manager for Ukrainian NGO Khmelnitsky Energy Cluster
  • Morgan Henley – EU heating sector decarbonisation campaigner at Bankwatch

12:00 – 13:30     Session on Democracy & Civil Society in Ensuring Security

  • Balin Mikola – research fellow at the Democracy Institute of Central European University

15:00 – 16:30    Workshop on Media Security & Propaganda

  • Iryna Zemlyana – media expert at the Institute for Mass Information

17:00 – 18:30    Session on Digital Security

  • Anastasiya Zhyrmont – campaigner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Access Now

20:30 – 22:00  Forum on Sharing Experiences

 

Practicalities:

Date and Time: 27th October (10:00-22:00)

Location: European Youth Center Budapest

Language:  The main language of the event will be English.

Registration: Registration is now closed, but links will be provided for the streams of some sessions.

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation, with the support of Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe, as well as the Federation of Young European Greens and the European Youth Centre Budapest. It is organised with the financial support of the European parliament to the Green European Foundation.

 

Sep 20 2023
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Geopolitics of Degrowth in a Conflicted Europe (Leipzig)

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About the event

Green policies that respect planetary boundaries and allow the Global South to develop seem incompatible with unlimited economic growth in the EU. We need a realistic scenario for a future in which we consume more sparingly but live better together. A scenario that could be possible within a degrowth context.

The war in Ukraine completely changed the geopolitical landscape. Today, the idea of ending GDP growth in the EU encounters new and important impediments, with power and wealth being measured in military capacity. Can a degrowth Europe build strength and resilience in this context?

To tackle this issue, the Green European Foundation with the support of BlueLink is organising a workshop in Leipzig, as part of a series of expert meetings across Europe. The outcomes from these meetings and further research and interviews will feed into a final publication to be launched in the autumn of 2023.

We invite researchers, activists and policy makers – particularly from Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine – with an interest in green policies and geopolitics to present perspectives, experiences, analytical or activity reports and to engage in a discussion around the following questions:

  • How does degrowth within the EU affect the EU’s ability to achieve geopolitical objectives like providing security, and what are the resulting tensions and synergies?
  • Can such tensions be mitigated? If so, how?
  • How would it be possible to optimize the possibilities that degrowth offers, including for democratic flourishing and a safer Europe and world?

Not every question has a definitive answer and we promote creativity, analytical thinking, and a fresh approaches to the challenge.

Project Background

This event is part of GEF’s project Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe, which explores the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project aims to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. It aims to find solutions beyond naïve anti-militarism and convenient belief in green growth. Find out more about the project and its findings at geopoliticspostgrowth.eu.

Practicalities

This GEF workshop will take place as part of the International Roundtable 2023 held by the Peaceful Revolution Foundation in Leipzig. You can find out more information about this conference here. 

Date and time: October 11th, 2023 (14:30 CET) 

Location: Leipzig, Germany and online (hybrid event) 

Language: English 

Registration: Open to all interested participants, but please register in advance via this link. Please use the ‘Questions and Comments’ field to specify your scope of interest or proposed intervention. You will receive a confirmation email after registration. 

In case you want to attend the workshop in person in Leipzig, please also email office@bluelink.net by Friday, October 6th.  

 

This event is organized by the Green European Foundation with the support of BlueLink. It will take place as part of the Revolutionale International Round Table 2023 held in Leipzig by the Peaceful Revolution Foundation.  

 

Jun 19 2023
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Geopolitics of Post-Growth

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About the event

Scientists increasingly doubt whether we can stop the climate and ecological crises as long as our economy continues to grow. So we had better prepare for a future without GDP growth. In fact, the degrowth movement, which is rapidly gaining popularity among activists and scientists, advocates the deliberate scaling back of overproduction and overconsumption to bring the economy back into balance with the living world, in a way that reduces inequality and improves human well-being.

But what would a farewell to economic growth mean for geopolitics? Can a European Union that is the first to enter the post-growth era remain (or become) a global player? Will it be able to defend itself, its allies, democracy, and the international rule of law against aggressive autocrats? The transition to a post-growth society must be a democratic one. But that is far from obvious at a time when authoritarian regimes are invading or threatening their democratic neighbours.

On the plus side, a post-growth EU might gain resilience. Without economic growth, it will be easier for the EU to reduce its dependence on imported energy and raw materials. This favours strategic autonomy. It also provides an opportunity to move beyond the neo-colonial ‘extractivism’ that burdens relations with the global South.

In this webinar, we will identify points of contention and try to develop commonalities. After some brief introductions, there will be ample time for participants to have their say.

Project background

This event is part of GEF’s project Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe, which explores the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project aims to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. It aims to find solutions beyond naïve anti-militarism and convenient belief in green growth. Find out more about the project and its findings at geopoliticspostgrowth.eu.  

Speakers

  • Sophie Bloemen, co-director Commons Network
  • Roderick Kefferpütz, director of the European Union office of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung 
  • Richard Wouters, project leader ‘Geopolitics of a post-growth Europe’ for GEF 

The webinar will be moderated by Judith Sargentini, former MEP for GroenLinks and CEO in the not-for-profit sector.

Practicalities

Date and Time: Friday, 8 September (14:00 – 16:00 CEST) 

Language: English 

Audience: Public event online, via Zoom   

Registration: Please register online via this link. 

In case of further questions, contact project lead Richard Wouters – rwouters (at) groenlinks.nl 

This project is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event. 

Apr 20 2023
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Writing the Green Stories (Vaxtorp)

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About the Event

GEF is organising a day focusing on peace & security in the framework of the The Federation of Young European Greens’ 2023 Summer Camp’. We aim to bring together a diverse group of young people who will learn about the green narrative on peace & security – from Dublin to Tbilisi, from Oslo to Nicosia. Our diverse and unique lived experiences, perspectives and beliefs are what make us green. Help us define what Europe’s future should look like and learn about the role of peace & security in the green movement!

Programme

More details on programme and speakers will be announced shortly! 

Practicalities

Date: 20 July (10:00 – 22:00) 

Location: Vaxtorp, Sweden

Audience: This summer school gathers 40 young people aged between 15 and 35.

Language: The main language of this activity will be English.

Registration: Sign up here

 

These summer school sessions are organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of FYEG and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

 

Apr 07 2023
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Green Growth vs. Degrowth (Utrecht)

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About the event

Can our economy continue to grow if we want to respect planetary boundaries and give developing countries room to meet the needs of their inhabitants?  

Yes, say proponents of ‘green growth’. To do so, we need strict climate and environmental policies that drive technological innovation and reduce the most polluting forms of consumption. The drive for green growth underpins the European Green Deal.  

No, say the advocates of ‘de-growth’. Decoupling economic growth from ecological damage is an illusion. Therefore, rich countries must abandon the growth imperative, scale back overproduction and overconsumption and focus on collective well-being. The degrowth movement is gaining popularity among scientists and activists.  

In this seminar, we explore the differences and similarities between ‘green growth’ and ‘degrowth’ with proponents of both schools of thought as well as Green and Labour politicians. What facts and trends do the two movements invoke? What are the underlying visions of society? Is there any overlap between the political agendas? 

Project background

This event is part of GEF’s Geopolitics of Post-Growth project, which explores the tensions between degrowth/post-growth and geopolitics. The project aims to ignite a conversation between critics of economic growth and progressive thinkers on foreign and security policy, who now often operate in separate circuits. It aims to find solutions beyond naïve anti-militarism and convenient belief in green growth.  

The geopolitical ramifications of (de)growth will be discussed in a follow-up seminar. 

Speakers and Programme

14:00 – 14:10 Opening by moderator Suzanne Kröger (MP GroenLinks) 

14:10 – 14:20 Presentation by Diederik Samsom (head of cabinet of European Commission VP Frans Timmermans) 

14:20 – 14:30 Presentation by Karolien van Teijlingen (social geographer Radboud University Nijmegen) 

14:30 – 14:40 Audience Q&A 

14:40 – 14:50 Presentation by Wim Naudé (professor technology & innovation management RWTH Aachen University) 

14:50 – 15:00 Presentation by Hans Stegeman (chief economist Triodos Bank, columnist) 

15:00 – 15:10 Audience Q&A 

15:10 – 15:50 Discussion 

15:50 – 16:00  Closing words 

Practicalities: 

Date and Time: Friday 19 May, from 14:00 to 16:00 CEST

Location: De Kargadoor, Oudegracht 36, Utrecht, Netherlands

Language:  Dutch  

Registration: Participation is free of charge. Registration in advance is required, via this link .

If you have any questions or suggestions, you can contact Richard Wouters – rwouters@groenlinks.nl. 

 

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

Feb 23 2023
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Peace and Security: The future of EU candidate countries

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About the event

This online event is the third discussion of our Peace and Security Debate series. On this occasion, we will analyse how EU candidate countries have responded to the Russian invasion to Ukraine, more in particular whether their reaction were as expected and how their response affects their candidacy.

Project background

The goal of the Peace & Security Debate Series, organised by the Green European Foundation and Sustainable Development Forum Green Window, is to analyse different perspectives on the current crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and explore more generally the notion of peace and security in Europe.

Speakers

  • Ivan Novosel, House of Human Rights
  • Nataša Beširević, PhD, consultant on EU projects in the Western Balkan and Eastern Neighbourhood regions, evaluator on the Horizon Europe program
  • Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, Member of the European Parliament, Greens/EFA

The discussion will be moderated  by Marko Popović, expert Adviser at the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, who is also a founder and a member of Sustainable Development Forum Green Window.

Date and Time: December21st, 6pm-7:30pm CET

Location: Zoom. 

Language: This event will take place in Croatian.

 

This conference  is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of  Forum Green Window and the financial support of the European parliament to the Green European Foundation. 

Feb 23 2023
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Debate series: Cybersecurity in the EU

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About the event

This online event is the third discussion of our Peace and Security Debate series. On this occasion, we will analyse the role of cyber security in achieving and maintaining peace and security in the EU. What does cyber security mean? Why is it essential to maintain peace and security in the EU? What were the main events and incidents in 2022? What are the EU’s vision on this issue and future prospects?

Project background

The goal of the Peace & Security Debate Series, organised by the Green European Foundation and Sustainable Development Forum Green Window, is to analyse different perspectives on the current crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and explore more generally the notion of peace and security in Europe.

Speakers

  • Mirko Bilandžić, PhD, professor at The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zagreb
  • Zlatan Morić, head of the department for cyber security, Algebra University College
  • Markéta Gregorová, Member of the European Parliament, Greens/EFA

The discussion will be moderated by Kaja Pavlinić, president of Sustainable Development Forum Green Window. 

Practicalities

Date and Time: February 6th, 6pm-7:30pm CET

Location: Zoom. 

Registration Link: Sign up here.

Language: This event will take place in Croatian.

 

This conference  is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of  Forum Green Window and the financial support of the European parliament to the Green European Foundation. 

Feb 16 2023
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Debate series: Security and Peace Forum (Zagreb)

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About the event

The Conference represents the final event of the Peace and Security Debate Series project in Croatia. It aims to focus on the role of politics, civil society and the Green movement in securing peace and security as well as human and women rights as the main victim in establishing peace and security. We will also highlight the how disinformation and fake news influence the public image in the times of political conflict. We will have three panel discussions, followed by a networking reception. We invite all politically interested citizens to join us.

Project background

This conference represents a final event in the scope of the Peace and Security Debate Series project. The main objective is to explore different perspectives of peace and security on the level of the European Union. In the scope of the project, we have organized three online events, and this conference represents a final activity that will push the discourse on the topic even further.

Programme and speakers

09:30 – 10:00 Arrivals and registration

10:00 – 10:15 Opening of the conference

  • Kaja Pavlinić, president of Sustainable Development Forum Green Window
  • Vedran Horvat, Board of Directors of Green European Foundation
  • Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, Member of the European Parliament, Greens/EFA

10:15-11:45 The role of politics, civil society and the Green movement in securing peace and security

  • Moderator: Marko Popović
  • Introductory keynote: Christina Kessler, Federation of Young European Greens – introductory keynote

Panel speakers

  • Vedran Horvat, Institute for Political Ecology
  • Marta Zorko, Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb
  • Representative of Croatian Parliament from Možemo! coalition (tbc)
  • Igor Vidačak, Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb

11:45 – 12:00 Coffee break

12:00 – 13:30 Human and women rights as the main victim in establishing peace and security

  • Moderator: Kaja Pavlinić, president of Sustainable Development Forum Green Window
  •  Introductory keynote: Mélanie Vogel, European Green Party

Panel speakers

  • Ana Gvozdić, Youth Initiative for Human Rights
  • Sanja Sarnavka, Solidarna
  • Lucija Azinović Rebić, Are You Syrious
  • Representative from B.a.B.e (TBC)

13:30 – 15:00 Lunch

15:00 – 16:30 Disinformation and fake news in the times of political conflict

  • Moderator: Kaja Pavlinić, president of Sustainable Development Forum Green Window
  • Introductory keynote: Konrad Bleyer-Simon, Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom

Panel speakers

  •  Ivana Dragičević, N1
  • Hrvoje Krešić, N1
  • Radoslav Dejanović, Anthropos Metron and the author of the Guide for Media Literacy16

16:30 – 16:45 Closing

16:45 – 17:45 Networking with refreshments

Practicalities

Date and Time: February 25 from 09:30 to 17:45

Location: conference hall of the Timeout Heritage hotel in Zagreb (Ilica 16, 10 000 Zagreb). 

Language: Working language of the conference is Croatian, with the exception of some speakers who will join the event in hybrid format and will speak in English.

Registration:

  • Registration is open until February 23. You can register on the following link.
  • For all additional questions, you can contact the organizing team via info@zeleniprozor.hr 
  • Since we have very limited capacity (maximum of 25 participants), registration is obligatory, and all participants will receive a final confirmation of participation 24 hours after registering. In case you are not able to attend, please reach out to us so we can give this spot to someone else.

Additional information: Lunch and refreshments are covered for all participants, and we will additionally send certificates of participation.

This conference  is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of  Forum Green Window and the financial support of the European parliament to the Green European Foundation. 

Dec 06 2022
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The Green movement’s vision for peace & security

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Context

With a focus on the Eastern flank of Europe, the 2022-2023 debates series seeks to enrich green and political ecology discourse. The series aim to provide spaces to hear the voices of green actors, peace and security experts, as well as partners from different regions. The goal of the Peace & Security Debate Series project, which we are developing in cooperation with the Czech organisation Institute for Active Citizenship, is to analyse the different approached to the crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as other topics related to peace and security at a European level.

About

The discussion during this roundtable will explore how the Czech green movement has approached issues such as security, foreign policy and pacifism and what positions it should advocate for in the future. This event will also touch upon the European Green Charter as a document that frames the basic principles of green politics and will consider improvements in security and pacifism in light of current circumstances.

Speakers

  • Janek Rovenský, Greenpeace CZ
  • AKárníková, Friends of Earth CZ
  • Hana Svačinková – Nesehnutí
  • Irena Hůlová, Amnesty CZ
  • Petr Kutílek – Green Party CZ
  • Josef Patočka – re-set.cz
  • Míla O’Sullivan, Centre for Global Political Economy, Charles University

Moderation by Adéla Jurečková, Head of Office, Heinrich Boell Stiftung Prague

Practicalities

Date and Time: December 12 from 16:00-17:30 CEST

Location: Heinrich Boell Stiftung Prague Office, Jugoslávská 567/16,120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic

Registration:  This is a closed event

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Institute for Active Citizenship and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The Euroapean Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

Nov 10 2022
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Peace & Security Debate Series: EU Responses to the War

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Context

With a focus on the Eastern flank of Europe, the 2022-2023 debates series seeks to enrich green and political ecology ideas and actors and provide spaces to hear the voices of green actors, peace and security experts, as well as partners from the region. The goal of the Peace & Security Debate Series project, which we are developing in cooperation with the Croatian organisation Sustainable Development Forum Green Window , is to analyse the current crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as other topics related to peace and security at a European level. The project comprises three online discussions and a one-day conference that will take place in February 2023.

About

The first discussion will focus on the causes of the war outbreak and the course of the conflict itself in the period from February to November 2022. Speakers will discuss the first reactions of the EU member states in the first weeks of the war and how they affected the internal relations between the member states and NATO. Likewise, they will compare the positions of Ukraine and Russia in the conflict and try to assess the consequences for both countries and whether a peaceful future is possible.

Speakers

  • Davor Boban: Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb
  • Đana Luša: Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Zagreb
  • Senada Šelo Šabić, dr.sc.: The Insitute for International Development and International Relations, Senior Research Associate
    Moderator : Marko Popović

 

Practicalities

Date and Time: November 17 from 18:00-19:30 CEST

Location: Online via Zoom & Facebook Livestream.

Registration: Please register here.

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green Window and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The Euroapean Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.