For some years now, Europe has been facing a number of serious challenges, which cause severe frictions among European states and can only be addressed collectively. Among them are economic crises, social inequality, migration, populism and nationalism, the erosion of democracy, disinformation, terrorism, and cyber security.
In light of these challenges, the Foundation has encouraged researchers to develop research-based impulses for future cooperation within Europe. The goal was to stimulate basic research on issues affecting Europe and the European Union, encourage comparative studies, and strengthen academic collaboration among European scholars.
This symposium will offer an international platform for academic exchange based on the results achieved to date within the funding program. Current and emerging challenges for Europe (EU as well as the continent) will be addressed in project presentations. Additionally, a digital poster session beforehand will provide the opportunity to present and discuss the results in greater detail.
Program
A detailed program can soon be found under downloads.
Language
The conference language is English.
Registration
Participation is only open for scientists funded within the initiative. Please register by clicking on the registration link on the right.
Venue and Public Transport
The conference will be held at Herrenhausen Palace, a modern conference centre in Hanover, Germany. You can reach the venue by subway: Take line 4 or 5 and get off at "Herrenhäuser Gärten".
Background
In light of numerous crises within Europe in the past years, there have been two calls by the Volkswagen Foundation with the topic "Challenges for Europe" in 2017 and 2018 (in 2018 together with the Italian foundation Compagnia di San Paolo and the Danish Carlsberg Foundation).