(Re-)Connecting Europe

Years marked by crises have favoured tensions and put the European idea to the test. This year's 33rd Freudenstadt Symposium on European Regionalism is now focussing on how (well) we are succeeding and how we can succeed in reducing these, countering the crises and (re)connecting Europe both metaphorically and physically.

Complex challenges are often not easy to get to the heart of and do not have a single solution and therefore harbour the risk of leading to black and white by attempting to provide simple answers, thereby encouraging populism and making contact with citizens and the ability to find real solutions more difficult.

How can the European idea be (re)revitalised or preserved in the current elections at local, regional and European level after years of crisis that have triggered security needs and led people to look after themselves first for the time being? How can citizens and newly elected representatives at all levels succeed in finding a balance between the resulting protectionist tendencies, European security interests and the often proven strengths of cooperation between the diversity of European regions and thus put a stop to overflowing nationalism and populism?

Getting to the bottom of resentment, understanding the underlying issue is central to finding a solution. If this succeeds - understanding and taking into account the concerns, fears, needs and wishes of a personal, social and cultural nature - the chances of establishing a connection between citizens and politicians, as well as among each other, increase, bridging divides and thus also for politicians to pick up the people with regard to the steps to be taken - in the case of transformation, climate change and crises in general.

Connecting Europe also has physical dimensions - in terms of mobility, energy supply and participation in general - both physically and digitally. During Corona, it has become glaringly obvious how interconnected the economy is in the European single market - and far beyond - with all its advantages and disadvantages. We have realised how digital infrastructures can help us to exchange, live and do business with each other without moving away. On the one hand, this has massively expanded the technical possibilities for participation, but on the other hand, the infrastructure in many places - often in rural or geographically difficult areas - prevents us from jumping on this bandwagon, be it dead spots in the network or sluggish broadband or fibre optic expansion.

The perceived lack or disconnect of not ‘yet’ having something new needs to be distinguished from the lack of no longer having something - in the context of mobility, many things come together - on the one hand, offers such as the Deutschlandticket provide completely new opportunities, while on the other hand, cancellations, strikes, technical problems and construction sites hinder the use of these new - but above all, familiar - options and thus promote a transformation to sustainable mobility. On the one hand, reliability is an essential prerequisite for a successful transport transition, and on the other, the (re)activation of connections and the closing of gaps in urban and, above all, rural areas. How can reliable, sustainable urban mobility succeed, as well as supra-regional European interconnectivity?

Systemic efficiency is not only relevant for connecting Europe's citizens and regions both physically and digitally, but also for a sustainable transformation supported by society and a resilient energy and resource supply. The chances increase the better solutions we find for picking up those affected and finding words to explain complex issues and any necessary cuts in their solution, as well as showing how to achieve the path to improvement despite (or only through) these cuts.

In summary:

??????? Elections, Populism and overcoming the divide – Does the divide widen or close reflecting on European, Regional and local election outcomes?? How can they be overcome? Where do the roots of division lie? (How) can an enhanced understanding and addressing of the causes of populism help us safeguard democracy and promote a more cohesive society? ?

??????? (Re-)Connecting citizens: why is it needed and what does it take? – What does it take to rekindle the European spirit? How do we earn people’s buy-in into change? What role does citizen participation play? How can we ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard and acted upon, fostering truly united communities and Europe in the face of adversity?

??????? Connecting Europe: Mobility, sustainably – How do we navigate towards sustainable mobility and inclusiveness for both rural and urban Europe? What steps are necessary and what have been taken to create resilient, interconnected mobility for Europe allowing it to thrive economically, socially, and environmentally – locally, cross-border and beyond?

We look forward to discussing and finding ways to address these multifaceted, interlinked issues with you, as well as with experts, policymakers, authors, journalists, scientists, NGOs, students and the interested public at the ‘33rd Freudenstadt Symposium on European Regionalism: Connecting Europe’ from 5-7 July 2024 in Freudenstadt (Black Forest, Germany).

Would you like to be part of Connecting Europe?

=> Then click here for more information about the event. How to register, etc.

To benefit from our hotel room block, register by June 5