European Challenges | Debates

Artwork by Dan Perjovschi


The European Challenges series, at the crossroads of disciplines, concerns, and viewpoints, aims at stimulating and enriching public debate on topical or long-standing controversial issues Europe has to face. Organised at the Pompidou Centre, these regular debates revive the tradition of the public agora.

The European Challenges series, at the crossroads of disciplines, concerns, and viewpoints, aims at stimulating and enriching public debate on topical or long-standing controversial issues Europe has to face. Organised at the Pompidou Centre, these regular debates revive the tradition of the public agora.


Debate | 14 November 2019

Berlin: between two Europes ?
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, this new debate seeks to re examine the consequences of German reunification and bring a better understanding of the troubled relationship between the East and the West. It focuses on the current situation of the German capital: a showcase of capitalism triumphing over communism, largely gentrified but still flowing with waves of Ostalgia, Berlin is situated at the crossroads of two Europes, with very different conceptions and expectations. A tension that has been intensified by the rise of the far-right in the last regional elections. So what does the city stand for in today’s Europe?

Speakers historian Sonia Combe, philosopher Francesco Masci, writer Geraldine Schwartz, artist Marie Reinert and political scientist Jacques Rupnik. Moderator Jean-Max Colard of the Centre Pompidou.

Read more and watch the debate

Debate | 17 April 2019

Europe: what can culture do ?
At the time of Brexit, in the face of the rise of populism and on the eve of the 2019 European elections, the debate addresses the deep crisis Europe is currently going through, which calls into question its history, trajectory and identity. The debate questions the idea of cultural Europe: whether associated with illusion, disappointment or construction still to come, does this notion have a real meaning? And what can culture do for Europe?

Speakers historian Emmanuelle Loyer, linguist and philosopher Jean-Claude Milner, artist Natacha Nisic and writer and cartoonist Emmanuel Ruben. Moderator journalist Jean-Marie Durand.
Read more

Debate | 29 November 2017

Europe Confronting Eurosceptics
For the inaugural debate of the European Challenges series, the speakers, both pro-Europe and Eurosceptics, address the motivations that support eurosceptic discourses.

Speakers artist Maja Bajevic, historian Mauve Carbonell, political scientist Thierry Chopin, economist Cédric Durand and historian Thomas Serrier. Moderator journalist Nicolas Truong.
Read more