Europe under pressure

The global order is currently changing rapidly and Europe must reposition itself. The USA and China are vying for global supremacy, while Russia is destabilising Europe with war and disinformation. However, Europe is not only facing danger from outside, but also from within: Right-wing populist and far-right movements are gaining more and more support. They are increasingly aiming to delegitimise the democratic order.

The answer to these challenges can only be a resolute strengthening of democracy. But how can this goal be achieved? Martin Schulz, board chairperson of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and former President of the European Parliament, will address these and other questions in his lecture.

Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 17:30 to 19:00
Audimax 2 am Zentralcampus der BTU, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus
Anyone interested is cordially invited to attend. Participation is free of charge and possible without registration.
Moderation: Prof. Dr Eike Albrecht, BTU, Chair of Public Law, in particular Environmental and Planning Law & Prof. Dr Frank Wätzold, BTU, Chair of Economics, in particular Environmental Economics

Martin Schulz has been board chairperson of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V. (FES) since December 2020.
He was a member of the German Bundestag from 2017 to 2021. He was Federal Chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), candidate for Chancellor and a long-standing member of the European Parliament, which he chaired as President for two terms from 2012 to 2017. Martin Schulz was awarded the Charlemagne Prize in 2015 for his significant services to Europe and for strengthening the Parliament and democratic legitimacy in the European Union (EU).

The public lecture series "Open BTU" offers insights into exciting areas of knowledge. The last lecture of the winter semester on the topic "Meltdown of Democracy" will take place on 28 January. With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the university's Centre for Continuing Education (ZWW) supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. The BTU co-operates with other universities and institutions. Each lecture will be followed by an opportunity for questions and dialogue with the speakers. Anyone interested is cordially invited to take part in the wide-ranging programme of events.