Event in Brussels: Sustaining solidarity in Europe
Policymakers, civil society organizations, researchers and EU officers in Brussels will meet to discuss the idea of how solidarity can be sustained in Europe. Organised together with H2020 funded projects, SOLIDUS, TranSOL and EUENGAGE, this one-day event aims to initiate dialogue on a subject that is of utmost importance. With events such as the financial crisis and migration crisis, European solidarity has undoubtedly been put under enormous pressure. The ability to maintain and grow solidarity is now paramount for European stability. The insights provided in this conference will deal with this issue, providing much-needed research evidence as to how solidarity exists and how it can be strengthened.
Three years’ worth of research by the SOLIDUS team will be presented, with a focus on how transnational, national or regional researchers, policymakers and civil society actors can implement the successful approach of Acts of Solidarity in their initiatives and strategies to overcome social inequality.
Programme
| 8.30-9.00 | Registration |
| 9.00-9.20 | Opening: Solidarity as founding principle in Europe – why do we need research? Yuri Borgmann, DG Research, European Commission Christian Lahusen, University of Siegen Marta Soler, University of Barcelona |
| 9.20-10.20 | Landscapes of solidarity in the EU: Multiple types of organizations and actions; multiple impacts on society Chair: Hans-Jörg Trenz, University of Copenhagen Miranda Christou, University of Cyprus Maria Kousis, University of Crete Gabriella Civico, European Volunteer Center |
| 10.20-11.20 | Transnational solidarity in Europe: Results from survey and perspectives from European civil society Chair: Maria Theiss, University of Warsaw Holger Lengfeld, Leipzig University Maurizio Cotta, University of Sienna |
| 11.20-12.00 | Coffee break |
| 12.00-13.00 | Integrating institutional and grassroots solidarity: achieving political impact from below Chair: Lena de Botton, University of Barcelona Ramon Vilchez, Department of Welfare, Catalan Government Marco Cilento, European Trade Union Confederation Ababakar Thiakh, Alencop (tbc) Maria Vieites, SEAS4All – Erasmus+ |
| 13.00-14.00 | Lunch |
| 14.00-15.30 | 1) Solidarity in action: drivers and barriers Chair: Marit Hopman, Utrecht University Simone Baglioni, Glasgow Caledonian University Bjorn Hivden, Oslo Metropolitan University 2) Fish Bowl Conversation: inviting CSOs and citizens to speak and dialogue Moderator: Jennifer Eschweiler, Roskilde University |
| 15.30-16.00 | Coffee break |
| 16.00-16.45 | The role of European institutions in fostering sustainable solidarity Chair: Patricia Melgar, University of Girona Stefaan Hermans, D.G. Education and Culture, European Commission Kieran McCarthy, EU Committee of the Regions Brikena Xhomaqi, Lifelong Learning Platform |
| 16.45-17.30 | Award Ceremony: Young artists on solidarity. Documentary on Solidarity in Europe. Brief presentation & debate. Daphne Bullesbach and Marta Cillero. European Alternatives |
| 17.30-17.50 | 50 Closing remarks: How to support and broaden a European solidarity. Kathleen Lynch, Dublin City University Andreas Obermaier, Research Executive Agency, European Commission |
| For more information and to register click here: https://solidush2020.eu/solidarityevent | |