The Transatlantic Dialogue Center (TDC), together with the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI) and the Stockholm Free World Forum (Frivärld), launched the Europe Under 35 discussion series, a Swedish-Ukrainian initiative bringing together young foreign and security policy experts from across Europe to discuss the continent’s strategic future.
The initiative was developed by Stepan Rusyn, Coordinator of TDC’s Germany-Ukraine Partnership Program, Marianna Fakhurdinova, Coordinator of TDC’s EU-Ukraine Partnership Program, Klara Lindström from SCEEUS, and Victor Blomberg from Frivärld. Designed as a series of four monthly online discussions, Europe Under 35 creates a platform for early-career researchers and policy practitioners from EU member states and candidate countries to exchange perspectives, challenge established assumptions, and explore Europe’s evolving political and security landscape.
The first session, “Europe’s Quarterlife Crisis,” held on September 11, 2026, focused on European identity and the future of the European project. Moderated by Klara Lindström, the discussion explored what defines Europe beyond geographical boundaries, the relationship between the European Union and the broader European political project, and the role of shared values in shaping European integration.
Participants also examined the EU’s development as a peace project and discussed whether its institutions remain equipped to address contemporary challenges. Particular attention was given to European enlargement, the relationship between national sovereignty and collective decision-making, and the importance of strengthening public engagement with European institutions. The session raised broader questions about the future of European integration and the role of countries such as Ukraine and Moldova in shaping it.
The series is scheduled to continue with “Expand or Expire” on November 13, focusing on EU enlargement and accession, and “Inheriting Brussels” on December 11, dedicated to the role of younger generations in shaping Europe’s political future.
Through Europe Under 35, TDC and its Swedish partners seek to foster a sustained network of emerging European policy experts, encouraging dialogue across national perspectives and contributing new ideas to discussions on European integration, security, and institutional development. The initiative also aims to translate the insights generated throughout the series into broader policy discussions and potential joint analytical contributions.