Debating Europe

Europe’s security is in peril in many ways. From Russia’s war in Ukraine, its threats and acts of sabotage against other neighboring states and the EU, to attacks on democratic societies via disinformation as part of hybrid warfare, as well as the U.S. foreign policy shift away from its leading role within NATO. All these developments trigger a profound reorganization of international relations, putting Austria’s and Europe’s defense policy to the test.

This is not only a question of military strength and unity, but also of the concomitant social costs – as well as diplomatic, economic, and technological capabilities. Which path is best to secure or regain peace? What are we willing to sacrifice? How much are we prepared to invest? And which opportunities must we not lose sight of in the process?

These pressing questions will be discussed with distinguished guests at »Debating Europe«. 

• Petra Erler was State Secretary in the Office of Prime Minister Lothar de Maizière in the final phase of the GDR in 1990, responsible for European affairs. From 1999, she worked for EU Commissioner Günter Verheugen. Today, she is a strategy consultant and publicist.  

• Ursula Plassnik, diplomat and politician, former Austrian Foreign Minister and member of the Executive Committee of the Trilateral Commission.
• Markus Reisner is a historian and officer in the Austrian Armed Forces. Since 2024, he has headed the Institute for Basic Officer Training at the Theresan Military Academy. Reisner frequently comments on military developments in national and international media, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. 
• Moderator: Petra Stuiber, DER STANDARD

The discussion will be held in German.

Tickets and further information: Europa im Diskurs – Debating Europe | Burgtheater

Debating Europe – Europa im Diskurs
This series of public morning debates brings leading politicians, scientists and intellectuals on to the stage of Vienna’s Burgtheater to discuss topical issues of political and social relevance. This long-standing event is a collaborative production of  Burg, ERSTE Foundation, Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) and Der Standard.