Reclaiming sovereignty: How self-determination movements respond to the new wave of reactionary forces and counter the rise of the far-right in Europe
Two important phenomena have become increasingly evident in Europe.
Citizens and states are transferring sovereignty to supranational institutions.
Democratic mechanisms that empower people, communities and enable self-government are being progressively privatised.
As a result, sovereignty is shifting away from the demos (the people) and toward private corporations, and supranational bodies. In this context, we observe how new discourses, connected to post-neolibeal ideologies promote the idea that democracy can function without sovereignty, an assumption that is both unrealistic and potentially dangerous for our societies.
Illiberal capitalism, MAGA-like populism, and post-neoliberalism are also disrupting community bonds, creating a new arena that confronts emancipatory, social progress and sovereignty movements with authoritarian ideology.
This event will explore these dynamics through a comparative perspective, focusing on the experiences of different cases with strong sovereignty movements: we aim to examine the relationship between democracy, sovereignty, and current challenges Europe faces: From climate crises, Housing and social crisis, post-truth media, the threat of war in the continent, to the weakening of rules based international system.
The discussions will be structured across two roundtables, combining theoretical reflections with practical insights from academics, activists, and policy makers.
Program
04 November 2025
Open doors and registration
Guests are welcomed with food and drinks available throughout the event.
Welcome words
Opening remarks and brief overview of the conference objectives.
Speaker:
- Marta Bainka, Coppieters Foundation
Roundtable 1: Sovereignty in Europe – Political and Legal Frameworks
Analysis of existing political and legal frameworks, as well as the different behaviours and expressions of sovereignty.
Speakers:
- Albert Noguera, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Valencia
- Jule Goikoetxea, Philosopher Professor in Political Theory and Philosophy, University of the Basque Country
Roundtable 2: Sovereignty, Extremism, and Social Dynamics
Discussion on the meanings of sovereignty, why it has become a political battleground, and tools to identify potential far-right extremist trends across social, communication, and political spheres.
Speakers:
- Arkaitz Fullaondo, Sociologist and Professor of Labour Relations and Social Work, University of the Basque Country
- Andree Murphy, Board Member, Ireland’s Future
- Lesley Riddoch, author and director, Nordic Horizons
Q&A Session
Closing Remarks
Summary of key points and final reflections from organizers.
Reception / Networking
Guests can enjoy food and drinks again while networking at the end of the event.
Practicalities:
Date:
Tuesday, 04 November 2025
Time:
17:30
Venue:
Silversquare Europe, Sq. de Meeûs 35, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Language:
The conference will be conducted in both English and Spanish
Registration:
To attend the event, registration is required via the following link: https://forms.gle/L3nR9FXJAtTi1YpD8
Contact:
Media inquiries can be adressed to info@ideasforeurope.eu
. . .
This event is a joint initiative between Iratzar Foundazioa, CIEMEN and Coppieters Foundation.
. . .
This event is financially supported by the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not liable for the content of the event nor for the opinions of the speakers.
. . .
Thank you for following our activities over the past few years. We hope our updates have been useful to you. We would like to keep informing you about upcoming events, new publications, summer schools, and job vacancies. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear from us in your inbox.