Peoples and Sovereignty in the European Union
The question of sovereignty and the role of the state in Europe remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. Across the continent, debates about self-determination, national identity, and political autonomy continue to shape societies and influence public life.Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for political scientists and policymakers but also for activists, journalists, and citizens interested in the future of Europe. This event provides a unique opportunity to explore these themes, bringing together scholars, parliamentarians, and civil society leaders to share insights and exchange perspectives about the challenges and opportunities for sovereignty movements across Europe.
The event “Peoples and Sovereignty in the European Union” will take place on 28–29 November at Bizkaia Aretoa in Bilbao. The program includes round tables, workshops, group activities, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to learn, discuss, and actively engage with the topics. The school combines learning with interaction, giving participants both insight and practical experience in addressing contemporary issues of sovereignty in Europe.
Program
28 November – Day 1
Opening of the School
Opening remarks and brief overview of the event objectives.
- Xabier Macias, vice-president, Coppieters Foundation
- Sandra Llano, board member, Sovereigntist Forum
- Miquel Rosselló, board member, Sovereigntist Forum
Presentation – Sovereignty and the State in Europe Today
Speaker:
- Paolo Gerbaudo, Italian intellectual specialized in sovereignty and the state
Round Table – The Peoples of Europe and Sovereignty in the 21st Century
Speakers:
- Jordi Muñoz, Political Science professor, University of Barcelona
- Hervor Pálsdóttir, member of the Parliament of the Faroe Islands for Tjóðveld (independence, centre-left party)
- Eraitz Sáez de Egilaz, lawyer and Basque parliamentarian for EH Bildu
- Xabier Macias, social psychologist and vice-president of the Coppieters Foundation
- Carmen Peña, International Relations graduate and national spokesperson for Drago Canarias
Dinner
29 November – Day 2
Round Table – 50 Years since Franco's Death: Impact and Consequences for the State and Europe
Speakers:
- Raquel Varela, History professor, Nova University of Lisbon
- Mertxe Aizpurua, journalist and member of Parliament for EH Bildu
- Marta Rovira Martinez, Catalan sociologist and writer
- Montse Prado, member of the Galicia Parliament for the BNG
- Mateu Morro, historian, former secretary-general of the Socialist Party of Mallorca, and member of the Political Council of Més per Mallorca
- Alberto Rodríguez, spokesperson for Drago Canarias and former member of parliament
- Toni Gisbert, historian and member of the National Executive of Compromís
Coffee Break & Networking
Workshops – Visions of European and Global Sovereignty in our Time
- The Struggle for Self-Determination and National and Linguistic Diversity in Europe
- Moderators:
- Francesca Butera, independence activist and member of Antudo (Sicily)
- Andoni Olariaga, philosopher and member of the Iratzar Foundation
- Moderators:
- Sovereignty Movements and the Necessary Socioeconomic Transformation of Society
- Moderators:
- Xabier Irastorza, member of Robles Arangiz Foundation
- Martín Arbeo, member of Ipar-Hegoa Foundation
- Moderators:
- Sovereignist Lefts in the Face of the Bioclimatic Crisis
- Moderators:
- Belén Rodríguez, secretary of the Association for the Ecological Defense of Galicia – ADEGA
- Inma Ranera, jurist and expert in environmental communication and outreach
- Moderators:
- Migrations and Sovereignism: the Paths of the new Alliances we need
- Moderators:
- Diana Urrea, EH Bildu parliamentarian
- David Abril, former member of Més per Mallorca, geographer and professor at the University of the Balearic Islands
- Moderators:
Lunch
Round Table – Sovereignty against Nostalgia and Authoritarianism
Speakers:
- Mònica Clua, Political Science professor at Pompeu Fabra University
- Rodrigo Nunes, Political Theory professor at the University of Essex
- Raúl Zelik, writer, translator, political scientist, and member of Die Linke
- Idoia Arreaza, political scientist and secretary-general of the Valencian Civic Association Tirant Lo Blanc
- Floren Aoiz, writer and president of the Iratzar Foundation
Coffee Break & Networking
Group Activity – The Tasks of Sovereignist Lefts in the Face of Authoritarian Trends
Closing of the School
Official closing remarks and summary of the event.
- Sandra Llano, board member of the Sovereigntist Forum
- Miquel Rosselló, board member of the Sovereigntist Forum
Dinner
Practicalities:
Dates and Time:
28th November 2025, 17:30 – 29th November 2025, 21:30
Venue:
Bizkaia Aretoa, Abandoibarra Etorb., 3, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Language:
The event will be conducted in English, Spanish and Basque
Contact:
Media inquiries can be adressed to info@ideasforeurope.eu
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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.
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