Panel discussion: Europe - A promise that binds us all

Why is a dialogue about European values particularly important at the moment? This key question will be discussed tomorrow at Lernwerk. Guests include influencer and author Nadine Wagenaar, Member of the European Parliament Stefan Berger and Andreas Müller from Democracy International e.V. Over drinks and snacks, they will shed light on their views and take contributions from the audience.

Europe stands for shared values such as human dignity, freedom and equality. Especially in times when these values are coming under increasing pressure, the organisers of the evening consider it important not only to defend them, but also to discuss and rethink them together. During the event, participants are invited to listen to opinions and discuss for themselves how European values can be lived, interpreted and perhaps even further developed.

Key people and topics of the evening

Stefan Berger is a Member of the European Parliament and has already been a guest in Bocholt in 2025. Among other things, he deals with the regulation of crypto assets and was rapporteur of the internationally acclaimed report "Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)". He analyses the struggle for democracy and the rule of law as well as the tension between national interests and common European principles. He analyses how values such as democracy, the rule of law and solidarity are represented in politics.

Andreas Müller is a member of Democracy International e.V. and asks what a European identity can look like that does not cover up cultural diversity, but includes it. He sheds light on how people in Europe experience European values in their everyday lives, how values are formed in education, media and social spaces and how European identity can be combined with diversity.

Nadine Wagenaar is an influencer and author and provides an insight into identity through employment and social participation. She addresses questions about how we define ourselves as working people within society or to what extent we want to work, for example in the context of European values and the four-day week.

Anke Wekerle will then open the discussion. Questions from the audience as well as their experiences and perspectives are very welcome over a drink and a snack.

State funds Europe cheques

The event series "European Values: Responsibility, Diversity and Cohesion" takes place in cooperation with the Europa-Union North Rhine-Westphalia and EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt and is supported by the state initiative Europa-Schecks of the Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media and Head of the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Registration

To register for the event, please send an e-mail to EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt at europe-direct(at)bocholt(dot)de.