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 unrealistic and potentially dangerous for our societies.
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.
Moderator:
- Andoni Olariaga, Philosopher and member of Iratzar Foundation.
Speakers:
- Albert Noguera, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Valencia, with degrees in Law and Political Science and a PhD in Law. Advisor to the Constituent Assemblies of Bolivia and Ecuador, consultant to the Ecuadorian Constitutional Court, and visiting professor at UNAM, Simón Bolívar Andean University, Georgetown, and the University of Amsterdam.
- Jule Goikoetxea, Professor of Political Theory and Philosophy at the University of the Basque Country. Founder of the Critical Theory Group Bilbo-Barcelona (BIBA) and editor-in-chief of the LISIPE book collection on Feminist Thought. Former academic director of the Master in Governance and Political Studies. Columnist and regular media contributor.
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.
Moderator:
- Marta Bainka, bureau member of Coppieters Foundation
Speakers:
- Arkaitz Fullaondo, Sociologist and Doctor from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. Vice-Dean of Academic Planning and professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work. Co-director of the postgraduate course Management and Innovation in Social Services and member of the research teams Parte Hartuz and Ikuspegi.
- Andree Murphy, Deputy Director of Relatives for Justice and board member of Ireland’s Future. Holds a Master’s in International Human Rights Law, expert on conflict trauma, columnist for Belfast Media Group, and regular media contributor.
- Lesley Riddoch, Broadcaster, commentator, and author. Co-founder of Nordic Horizons, co-presenter of the Lesley Riddoch Podcast, and columnist for The National. Author of five books and co-producer of six documentary films.
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
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This event is a joint initiative between Iratzar Foundazioa and Coppieters Foundation.
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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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