What still unites us in Europe today, and can Europe once again become a space of freedom, culture and political dialogue? These questions will be at the heart of a roundtable discussion at the House of Europe, held as part of this year’s Festival of Poetry and inspired by An Open Letter to Europe by French poet, essayist and editor Olivier Barbarant.
This year, the Festival of Poetry is coming to Ljubljana for the first time. In collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Slovenia, the festival will create a space at the House of Europe to reflect on Europe’s future, the importance of culture and the arts in public life, and the possibilities for constructive European dialogue.
“I do not embrace you, old nag. I reserve my greetings for your transformation, your revolution.” This is how Olivier Barbarant addresses Europe in this year’s An Open Letter to Europe. His literary and provocative text raises questions about European identity, the legacy of humanism and the future of a continent that once prided itself on the ideals of freedom, Enlightenment and art, but is now once again reflecting on its role in the world.
Where does the European spirit stand today? What can unite Europe beyond the single market and competing interests? And what role do culture and the arts have to play?
Joining Olivier Barbarant in the discussion will be Fabienne Runyo, Ambassador of France to Slovenia; Ljudmila Novak, former Member of the European Parliament; and Ivo Vajgl, former Member of the European Parliament. The discussion will be moderated by Ali Žerdin, editor, journalist and sociologist.
You are invited to join us for a reflection on the Europe we have and, above all, the Europe we want to build.
The discussion will take place on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 11 a.m. at the House of Europe, Dunajska cesta 20, Ljubljana. Advance registration is required. Please reserve your place by registering here: https://form.jotform.com/262801941374357.
