The Berlin Conference 2021: "Europe Bottom-Up"
The annual Berlin Conference took place at Allianz Arena on 8 & 9 November 2021, next to Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. This year focused on the responsibility of Europeans in shaping the future of Europe. From 7 till 9 November, the Conference was a platform of dialogue between citizens, cities, regions and Europe for a real ‘bottom-up’ approach with concrete actions and commitments.
- Sunday, 7 November 2021: Das TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, 09111 Chemnitz
- Monday, 8 and Tuesday, 9 November 2021: Allianz Forum, Pariser Platz 6, 10719 Berlin
Every year, the Berlin Conference focuses on the responsibility of Europeans in shaping the future of Europe. It aims to show how citizens, cities and regions can get involved in Europe. This year's motto "Europe Bottom-Up!" therefore not only describes our approach but can also be understood as an invitation to give some of one’s own creativity and commitment to Europe.
The 2021 edition of Berlin Conference kicks off on 7 November in Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture 2025. Here, citizens, mayors and representatives of current candidate cities and former European Capitals of Culture will discuss culture-driven urban development as well as the importance of the periphery for Europe.
In three plenary sessions on 8 and 9 November, the public conference days in Berlin will bring together representatives of civil society, arts and culture, and politics to discuss the significance of the "bottom-up" approach for the future of Europe.
As every year, a highlight of the conference will be "The State of Europe Speech", given this year by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, on the evening of 9 November and followed by an open discussion with young Europeans. The speech will only be available via livestream.
As each year, EFA plays an important role within the conference, by preparing the content of some sessions and bringing the festivals' voice into the conversations.
The current programme and the speakers of the conference as well as more detailed information on the platform project can be found at the links below.