LichtLab Democracy: Europe's Role in the World

Time: Afternoon
Venue: Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim e. V., Berliner Str. 20, 51063 Cologne

Opening of the exhibition “LichtLabor Demokratie: Europe’s Role in the World”

Workshop: “Me, Myself, and Democracy” (session in German)
What is your relationship to democracy and what role do you see for yourself within it?

In cooperation with Mehr Demokratie NRW, Germany’s leading organisation for direct democracy, this interactive slam poetry workshop invites young participants to explore their personal connection to democracy.

With artistic guidance from a professional slam poet and expert input on democratic participation at local and European level, participants transform their experiences, frustrations and hopes into powerful spoken word performances.

By linking personal stories with broader debates on civic engagement and the role of the EU, the session creates space for young voices.

First public presentations of the light and sound installation

Visitors are warmly invited to experience the first public presentation of the light and sound installation.

The immersive exhibition translates themes such as democracy, human rights and Europe’s global responsibility into light, sound and visual expression, creating a multisensory space for reflection, dialogue and inspiration.

Open to all interested visitors.

Time: Afternoon
Venue: Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim e. V., Berliner Str. 20, 51063 Cologne

International Opening & Panel Discussion: “The Role of the EU in the World”
(Session in English)

What role should the European Union play in shaping the world of tomorrow?

Join international participants, local guests and members of the public for the festive opening and an inspiring discussion on the EU’s global role.

What to expect:

Introduction to the exhibition – Discover the concept and stories behind the light and sound installation, a collaborative Europe-wide project developed from the artistic vision of Edda Dietrich, artist and creator of the installation.

Keynote: “What Role Does the EU Play in the World?” – A thought-provoking reflection on the EU’s global responsibilities, its democratic values and its international engagement — and what this means for citizens in Europe and beyond.

An evening of art, dialogue and exchange — open to all interested guests.

Light and sound installation screenings: 19:00 – 21:00

Venue: Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim e. V., Berliner Str. 20, 51063 Cologne

10:00 – 13:00: Panel: “The Role of the EU in the World in Protecting Individual Rights and Freedoms: From Local to Global”
(Sessions in English)

How can the European Union protect rights and freedoms — at home and around the world?

This interactive panel brings together experts, civil society representatives and participants from diverse backgrounds to explore the European Union’s global role in safeguarding individual rights and democratic values.

Throughout the project, non-EU citizens and underrepresented groups have actively contributed their perspectives. This session places their voices at the centre and highlights how non-citizens perceive the EU’s role both within its borders and in its international engagement.

Together, we will reflect on inclusivity, representation and political participation at local, European and global level — linking lived experiences with broader debates on Europe’s democratic identity and foreign policy action.

Open to all interested participants.

Venue: Kulturbunker Köln-Mülheim e. V., Berliner Str. 20, 51063 Cologne

Workshop: “If I Were in Power…” – Transforming Ideas into Art
(Workshop in English)

Democracy does not end at the ballot box. But what would you change if you were the one making the decisions?

In this interactive workshop led by illustrator Maren Trey, participants step into a position of power and explore how political messages are shaped during election campaigns. Following an introduction to visual campaigning and communication strategies, you will design your own campaign poster and translate your demands, priorities and visions into clear artistic statements.

Using painting, drawing and collage, the workshop invites you to reflect on the future you want to help shape: for yourself, your community and the European Union. By linking creative practice with insights into political communication, the session demonstrates how visual expression can become a tool for democratic participation.

No prior artistic experience is required – participants of all backgrounds are welcome.

Light and sound installation screenings: 19:00 – 21:00

Time: 9:30 – 12:30
Venue: Democracy International e. V. Office, Gürzenichstraße 21 a–c, 50667 Cologne

Panel: “From Recommendations to Action: Taking EU for Global Outcomes Beyond Europe”

How can citizen-driven recommendations move from discussion to real political impact?

This forward-looking workshop shifts the focus from reflection to action. Participants explore concrete pathways for bringing locally developed democratic proposals into European and global decision-making spaces — understanding recommendations not as final outcomes, but as starting points for advocacy and institutional engagement.

An input from a representative of the We The Peoples Campaign introduces current initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic participation at global level, including ideas such as a World Citizens’ Assembly and a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. Building on this, the session examines how citizen-led proposals can connect with broader global democracy initiatives and multilateral advocacy spaces.

Designed as a strategy lab, the workshop identifies practical outreach pathways to decision-makers at local, national, European and UN level — transforming ideas into structured political follow-up.