Trier Lectures on the Future of Europe / Democracy as an EU Value

The Law Faculty of Trier University and the Digital Law Institute Trier (IRDT) are proud to publish the first lecture of our new “Trier Lectures on the Future of Europe”. This lecture series will provide a forum to develop and discuss fun damental questions regarding the future of Europe. The European way of life, European integration and European values cannot be taken for granted. Alternative models are on the rise. Can Europe preserve and develop its ideas of democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, international peace, and solidarity even when facing fierce political competition or war? And does Europe find good solutions to the great challenges of our time, including climate change, technological progress, migration, war or antidemocratic backlash? The lecture series will give prominent speakers an opportunity to treat these questions and to discuss them with a broader audience. Trier, a city of Roman heritage, located in the heart of Europe and close to many European institutions, is the ideal place to host this encounter. We are very honoured that Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, opened this series on January 24, 2025 with his lecture on “Democracy as an EU value” and we look forward to the lectures and encounters that will follow.