University Center for International Studies European Studies Center
University Center for International Studies European Studies Center

Beyond the Ballot: Europe's Democratic Journey

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New Lecture Series

Beyond the Ballot: Europe's Democratic Journey 

Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges, successes, and prospects of democracy in contemporary Europe. This speaker series brings together leading experts, scholars, and policymakers to delve into the future of democracy in the European Union, its member states, and the neighborhood.
From the challenges posed by populism and nationalism to the implications of EU integration on national democracies, each session will dissect key issues shaping the EU's democratic framework. Participants will gain insights into topics such as:
  • The impact of EU policies and regulations on democratic processes in member states.
  • Struggles for democratic accountability and transparency within EU institutions.
  • The role of civil society and grassroots movements in shaping EU democracy.
  • How EU member states are adapting to global geopolitical shifts and their implications for democratic values.
This series offers a critical examination of the strengths and vulnerabilities of democracy within the EU and Europe more broadly.
The series is designed for students, academics, policymakers, and citizens interested in European affairs.  
 
SPRING 2025
 
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 @ 12:30-2:00 PM

"Democratic Backsliding and the Rule of Law in Europe"

This panel will delve into the issue of democratic backsliding across Europe, with a particular focus on its implications for the European Union. In light of the pivotal elections of 2024, the discussion aims to explore historical contexts and shed light on emerging threats to democratic principles in the region.

 
Hybrid Format
Registration link for virtual participation: HERE
In Person: 4217 Posvar Hall 
 
Co Moderators:   
Kylie Baker, University of Pittsburgh
Alina Korathu, University of Pittsburgh 
Erica Edwards, Associate Director, European Studies Center
 
Panelists: 

Pieter de Wilde, University of Groningen
His research focuses on political conflict over European integration and globalization. He’s principal investigator for the projects Unelected Representatives: The Impact on Liberal Democracy in Europe, Trondheim Analytica and Reconciling Europe with its Citizens through Democracy and Rule of Law (RECONNECT). Before joining NTNU, he was a Senior Researcher at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center. De Wilde holds a PhD in political science from ARENA, Center for European Studies, University of Oslo.

 

Michael Blauberger, Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg.
He has been teaching and researching at the University of Salzburg since 2011. He studied Political Science, Public International Law and Economics at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and University of Paris I. He wrote his doctoral thesis on European state aid control at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Cologne, and the University of Bremen. His  publications appeared in peer reviewed journals such as the Journal of Common Market Studies, Journal of European Public Policy, West European Politics, Regulation & Governance, Research & Politics, Politische Vierteljahresschrift, Zeitschrift für Internationale Beziehungen. Michael Blauberger is editorial board member of the Journal of European Public Policy and coordinator of the docfunds doctoral college “Challenges of European Integration”. In his current research, he investigates EU action against democratic backsliding and the protection of mobile workers in the EU’s internal market.

 

Cancelled: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025 @ 12:30-2:00 PM

Hybrid Format
Registration link for virtual participation: 
In Person: 4217 Posvar Hall 
 
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025 @ 12:30-2:00 PM
TBD

 

RECORDED SESSIONS: 

 

Beyond the Ballot: Democratic Backsliding and the Rule of Law in Europe

Democratic Backsliding and the Rule of Law in Europe
Tuesday, January 28, 2025

This panel will delve into the issue of democratic backsliding across Europe, with a particular focus on its implications for the European Union. In light of the pivotal elections of 2024, the discussion aims to explore historical contexts and shed light on emerging threats to democratic principles in the region.

Moderators:

  • Kylie Baker, University of Pittsburgh
  • Alina Korathu, University of Pittsburgh
  • Erica Edwards, University of Pittsburgh

Panelists:

  • Pieter de Wilde, University of Groningen, Netherlands
  • Michael Blauberger, Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg

Beyond the Ballot: Europe’s Youth Speak on Democracy

Europe’s Youth Speak on Democracy
Tuesday, November 19, 2024

How are Europe’s youth expressing their dissatisfaction with the state of democracy? Explore this timely question with us! This panel discussion will delve into the impactful roles young Europeans play amidst political upheaval and economic challenges. Join moderator Erica Edwards and distinguished panelists Albena Azmanova (University of Kent) and James Sloam (Royal Holloway, University of London) as we unpack current trends in youth participation, barriers to political involvement, and new strategies to boost civic engagement. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation on shaping the democratic future of Europe.

Moderator:

  • Erica Edwards, University of Pittsburgh Erica Edwards, University of Pittsburgh 

Panelists:

  • Albena Azmanova, University of Kent
  • James Sloam, Royal Holloway, University of London

Beyond the Ballot - What do the 2024 European elections tell us about democracy today?

Beyond the Ballot - What do the 2024 European elections tell us about democracy today?
Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Join us as we dive into the results of the 2024 European Parliamentary, British, and French Elections with our expert panel. Discover what these outcomes reveal about the current state of democracy in Europe.

Moderators:

-Erica Edwards, University of Pittsburgh

-Jae-Jae Spoon, University of Pittsburgh

Panelists:

-Tim Bale, Queen Mary University of London

-Diane Bolet, University of Essex

-Simon Hix, European University Institute

Beyond the Ballot - Democratizing the EU: Is there a need for institutional reform?

Democratizing the EU: Is there a need for institutional reform?

Event was on October 22, 2024. Dive into the history of EU democracy, from the first direct EP elections in 1979 through successive Treaty reforms, and explore the ongoing challenges in enhancing the EU's democratic legitimacy. Engage with our expert panelists, including Manuel Müller from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs and Christine Neuhold, Professor at Maastricht University, as we consider ways to address both real and perceived democratic deficits in the EU.

Moderator:

  • Erica Edwards, University of Pittsburgh

Panelists:

  • Manuel Müller, Finnish Institute of International Affairs
  • Christine Neuhold, Maastricht University