Greeting

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Russian war against Ukraine is in its second phase. year, the outcome is still uncertain. But one thing is already certain: Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the neighboring country will fundamentally change the balance of power, in Europe and beyond. The anniversary edition of the WDR Europaforum on June 6 in Berlin will focus on the geopolitical test that Russia’s war against Ukraine represents for our continent.

Meanwhile, the other global problems are still as urgent as ever. Climate change, migration, epidemics and environmental disasters, especially in the Global South, require coordinated responses from the community of nations. This, however at a time when their willingness to work together is being undermined by the dominant world event of the war against the Ukraine is additionally weakened. The understanding of the value of international rules and regulatory systems is under D Russia’s openly aggressive antagonism, China’s increasing claims to great power status and the ambivalent stance of important third countries such as ambivalent attitude of important third countries such as Brazil, India and South Africa.

In the new confusion, orientation is needed more than ever – concepts for the major tasks that will determine whether a united Europe can maintain its place among the global shaping powers: In what form is After the war, is a prosperous coexistence – or at least coexistence – with Russia conceivable? How are partnership and rivalry in its relationship with China? What must Europe do to ensure democracy and the rule of law at home? against nationalism and populism?

At its anniversary event – the 25th edition – the International WDR Europe Forum on June 6, 2023 will address these questions under the motto:

At the cat’s table of world politics? Europe’s role after the “Turning point”