Open BTU: Europe under pressure

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 ground and 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.

Speaker: Martin Schulz, board chairperson of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and former President of the European Parliament

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

The lecture is organised in cooperation with and with the kind support of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Brandenburg.
Further information on the Brandenburg office of the FES can be found here.

Location: BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Audimax 2 (Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus)

To the Open BTU lecture series

From 15 October 2025 to 28 January 2026, the public lecture series "Open BTU" will offer insights into exciting fields of knowledge. In the winter semester, the following topics will be examined from different perspectives:

• Aerospace - Lusatian research above the clouds
• Democracy - past, present and future perspectives

With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the university's Centre for Continuing Education 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.