From August 15 to 18, 2025, this year’s Europe Lab took place in Weimar under the motto “Hyperpolarization in Europe: Looking Back and Ahead.” Young people from across Europe engaged in intensive discussions on three key topics: pluralistic democracy, climate change, and persecution and genocide.
Organized by Civil Society Forum e.V., the Lab brought together young activists and combined expert input with joint project development and local remembrance work. The aim was to foster critical dialogue and open up new perspectives in intercultural exchange.
A special highlight was the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Europe Lab format. Before the anniversary ceremony, Matthias Meyer, Chair of the Board of the Stiftung West-Östliche Begegnungen and former Ambassador, addressed the participants. He thanked them for their commitment and emphasized the importance of such encounter formats, which enable young people to engage in critical dialogue and learn from one another.
We are delighted to have been a cooperation partner at this year’s Europe Lab and would like to warmly thank Civil Society Forum e.V. for the excellent collaboration!
(c) Photos: Rosalie Schaum
(c) Photo of Matthias Meyer, Vorstand, Stiftung West-Östliche Begegnungen: Alexandra Majorov