Balancing the influence of China, Russia, and the USA – sounds familiar? It’s a geopolitical tightrope that Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have been walking for decades. Their experience offers valuable insights for the European Union as it pursues strategic autonomy.

Join us to explore:

⚪Lessons the EU can draw from their experiences and apply to its own geopolitical positioning
⚪Europe’s growing strategic interest in the region
⚪The EU’s historical relationship with Central Asia

Speaker: Richard Schmidt, Center for East European and International Studies, Berlin

Choose your time zone:
18:30 Central European Time | 5:30 pm Ireland, Portugal, UK | 7:30 pm Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania

How did a wild YouTuber with 2.7 million subscribers make it into European politics? At just 24, Fidias Panayiotou is Cyprus’s most unconventional new MEP. From letting his audience vote on decisions via online polls to aligning with Elon Musk’s views on digital freedom and reducing bureaucrady, Fidias is shaking up Strasbourg and Brussels.

What inspired him to run? What has surprised him most about his life as a Member of the European Parliament? And what does he truly stand for as an elected official?

In 2025, the European Union plans to spend 199 billion euros—roughly 444€ per citizen. How the EU allocates its budget significantly impacts our lives, for example, by keeping groceries affordable, supporting our businesses in difficult times, boosting Europe’s brightest researchers, and fostering the ecological transition.

Imagining such high numbers is difficult, and deciding on the budget is even more challenging. That is why we invited Kai, a Member of the European Parliament (Volt Germany), to share his inside perspective on how the EU comes up with its annual budgets. Being one of the decision-makers voting and discussing it, Kai will also answer the legitimate question of what’s in for you.

This budget affects every citizen in the European Union. Join us in our exchange with Kai, ask your questions directly to a Member of the European Parliament, and discuss with people from all over the continent.

Ever dreamed of living abroad, making an impact, and meeting amazing people? The European Solidarity Corps offers young people the chance to volunteer or participate in projects across and beyond Europe. But how does it actually work?

Join our Zoom Q&A on the European Solidarity Corps to get all your questions answered:

• What kind of activities will I be involved in?
• Where can I go, and for how long?
• Will I get financial support?
• Is language a barrier?
• How can this experience shape my future?

Speaker: Katarina Brajdic, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission

Tuesday, 11 February | 19:00-20:00 CET
Sign up for your Zoom link here: https://meeteu.eu/registration