Together we want to work towards our real EUtopian idea, our vision for Europe’s future. Given the historic momentum Europe finds itself in, not only do we need to learn how to dream of utopias but we need to learn to actively live in them.

After two years of blockade, EU member states during July reached a consensus on opening negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. Ukraine and Moldova became candidate countries for membership in the European Union. Many believe that the war in Ukraine has returned the focus of the member states to the enlargement process.

In light of the most serious threat to peace in Europe since the World War II, Europe’s “hour” now finally needs to arrive. The current momentum for an independent, democratic and geopolitical union that welcomes its neighbours with open arms should not be missed.

What is driving the vaccination uptake divide between Western and Eastern Europe? What can be done to overcome these challenges? Tune into this LSE IDEAS and Ratiu Forum webinar examining vaccine hesitancy in marginalised local identities in Central and South-Eastern Europe. Meet the speakers and chair

How did the narratives about the EU and the process of getting the vaccines in 2021 change over time in Austria? How did Austrian media contribute to the spread of the narratives?

A renewed EU enlargement policy, with genuine commitment to the European future of the region, should be built on the mobilisation and trust of its people. This is what the Western Balkans and the European continent as a whole during the pandemic need.

In societies devastated by the pandemic, the EU needs to leave its conventional tool-box behind and urgently speed up the Europeanisation of its neighbours in Southeast Europe.