"The unification of Europe is not just a question of the quality of our existence," emphasized Willy Brandt in 1973. "It is a question of survival between the giants and in the fractured world of young and old nationalisms."

Today, Brandt's admonition is more relevant than ever: Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, new geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty about America's role have fundamentally changed the situation on the continent. At the same time, the world political structure is changing due to the rise of new global powers, while increasing nationalism and right-wing populist movements are endangering Europe's internal cohesion.

In this year's Willy Brandt Lecture, former French Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault will outline ways in which Europe can face these challenges courageously and independently. Afterwards, he and Martin Schulz will discuss the prospects for Europe's ability to act in a changing world.

Participation in the event is free of charge. You can register here .

The Willy Brandt Lecture is being held in cooperation with the University of Bonn and the Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt Foundation. It marks the start of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung's lecture series at the University of Bonn. Further information on the lecture series will soon be available here www.fes.de/asd/ringvorlesung.