Quo vadis Europe?

Lecture Series at the Center for European Studies – Autumn Semester 2026ProgramEurope is facing a range of major challenges that raise fundamental questions about its political, economic and legal future. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has profoundly shaken the European security order. It is forcing states and institutions to redefine their roles with regard to deterrence, solidarity and the preservation of peace. At the same time, Europe’s strategic autonomy, the future of European integration, and the possibilities and limitations of a common foreign and security policy are becoming increasingly prominent in public and political debate.From a historical perspective, Europe’s political orders are the result of long processes of negotiation shaped by wars, peace agreements, efforts towards integration, as well as ideological and religious conflicts. The question “Quo vadis Europa?” therefore also invites us to examine, from a historical perspective, continuities and ruptures in approaches to violence, conceptions of sovereignty, and the idea of a common Europe.Today, the future of the European project raises fundamental questions: In what direction is European integration developing? What role do law and institutions play in a changing geopolitical context? Which economic and social models can contribute to stability and peace? The European Union must also contend with internal tensions that will shape its future. Diverging views on the rule of law, challenges related to migration policies, economic imbalances, the relationship between religion and politics, and differing conceptions of European cooperation all play a significant role in the political debate.Against this backdrop, the lecture series “Quo vadis Europa?” explores the uncertainties and transformations currently facing Europe. It aims to analyse key developments from a range of disciplinary perspectives and to bring them together within a shared analytical framework. The series focuses in particular on the interplay between war and peace, political order, legal integration and economic cooperation. It also places these questions within their broader historical, cultural and religious contexts.