The Tbilisi Debate on Europe
Events
On 12-13 June, the Tbilisi Debate on Europe gathers writers, scholars and journalists to confront urgent questions of freedom, history and democracy. Looking from Georgia, what is at stake for Europe today?
Today, there is hardly any other city in Europe where European values – including democracy, the rule of law and personal freedoms – are more fiercely attacked and at the same time vigorously defended than in Tbilisi. Since 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Georgia has experienced a constant struggle between authoritarian and democratic forces, where the name and idea of Europe is incessantly invoked and contested.
In this situation, Debates on Europe find it of utmost importance to give a strong sign of solidarity with the individuals and institutions standing up for basic democratic and human rights in Georgia – writers, publishers, journalists, academics, civil society representatives.
From 12 to 13 June, Tbilisi becomes a vantage point for rethinking Europe. Across debates, lectures and encounters, leading thinkers explore history, freedom and the future of the continent – from its often overlooked margins.
In Tbilisi, international professionals will engage in talks with Georgian colleagues. The main aim of the Tbilisi Debate on Europe is to discuss the ideas and values that have forged Europe through a long history and to understand what part Georgia has played – and continues to play – in the European past, present and future.
12 June | Public Discussions at Ilia State University
Thinking, Speaking and Writing Under Pressure – Academic Freedom
Keynote Speech by Karl Schlögel
Ilias State University Confers an Honorary Doctorate on Karl Schlögel.
Panel discussion “De-Centering the Story, Re-Writing History”
13 June | Public Speech at Ilia State University
Since its inception in 2012, Debates on Europe has been hosted in places where the idea of Europe is at stake. In international discussion forums it addresses the most pressing issues on the European agenda, furthering free and open debate on cultural and social issues. In 2026, Debates on Europe is hosted in Tbilisi.
Organizers and supporters: S. Fischer Foundation, Academy for German Language and Literature, Ilia State University, Leibniz Centre for Literary and Cultural Research, Georgian Book Association, PEN Georgia, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, the Embassy of Germany in Georgia, Gottfried Michelmann Foundation, West-Eastern Encounters Foundation, Voxeurop
More details about the debates: Tbilisi 2026 – Debates On Europe
Working languages: Georgian, English
Date: 12-13 June
Venue: Ilia State University, Room B201, 32 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue
Admission is free.
