Wanderer, Irlandfreund, kommst Du nach Freudenstadt...
Neue Runde jetzt wieder live unter Freunden: Unsere dringende Empfehlung. Auch wenn der Hotel-Blockbuchungstermin vorüber ist - es wird noch Platz sein für Euch für:
Reminder: Just under 4 weeks to go – a few rooms left at venue
Dear Christian,
Prof. Christopher Harvie, Stefan M. Buettner and Team cordially invite you and interested colleagues to join them at the
34th Freudenstadt Symposium on European Regionalism:
Get real, grow up, get going – removing roadblocks to unleash Europe’s potential
taking place on 04-06 July 2025 in Freudenstadt, Black Forest, Germany.
This years’ themes are in short (more below/attached):
v Europe in a Changing World: From Vulnerability to Responsibility – As Europe’s influence wanes & depend-encies grow, strategic relevance demands credibility, resilience, and the capacity to act. Can Europe confront hard truths, regain agency, and evolve from normative ambition to effective engagement – without abandoning its values?
v The European Social Fabric: Between Erosion and Renewal – Polarisation, broken promises, and frustration with politics have eroded trust across regions and generations. Representation feels distant, social cohesion strained. Can we confront uncomfortable realities – and rebuild confidence in our societies, institutions, and ourselves?
v Systems That Deliver: Unblocking Innovation, Investment and Impact – Europe’s future depends on systems that enable – not constrain. How can we overcome regulatory, structural, and mental barriers to unleash transformative innovation across sectors? Can strategic infrastructure, energy, and industrial policy become engines of resilience, competitiveness, sustainable transformation and sovereign cooperation?
Across these intertwined topics, this year's Symposium promises lively and fruitful discussions on how Europe, its regions, and its people can build on the seeds planted in the three main sections, learn from each other, and jointly work towards unleashing potential. We hope you will join us!
We hope you will be able to join us and are looking forward with great pleasure to catching up with you all at the 34th Freudenstadt Symposium.
We also hope to welcome new friends and to exchange views and news. There are new - as well as old challenges to discuss, and we hope that we will all enjoy the exchange of view.
ð Please scroll down or consult the linked PDF for more info, registration, etc.
ð There are only a few rooms left to please register ASAP (confirmation of the registration subject to availability of rooms at the hotel)
ð Even though not encouraged to maintain the Freudenstadt spirit, participating during all or select days only is feasible at any time (different rates apply)
ð RSVP requested by 15 June
Kind regards,
Stefan M Buettner, Christoph Meister, Patricia & Frank Conlan and Patrik Buchmueller and Chris Harvie
P.S. feel free to pass this invitation on to others that may be interested in this event.
Also, check out the additional speakers confirmed.
Attachments:
· Invitation to Freudenstadt 34 - July 2025 (PDF)
Further Information:
· Please scroll down or consult linked PDF for important event details, registration, payment and logistics
· Blog entry on this year’s theme to inspire the discussion: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/europes-phoenix-moment-facing-pressure-shaping-future-buettner-midef
· Event post on LinkedIn (feel free to share) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stefan-m-buettner_34th-freudenstadt-symposium-on-european-regionalism-activity-7330734271139045376-mynR
· Framing Essay putting the overarching theme in context https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5262228
Should you wish to be removed from our invitation list, please inform us by responding to this email.
34th Freudenstadt Symposium on European
Regionalism:
Get real, grow up, get
going – removing roadblocks to unleash Europe’s potential
04-06 July 2025 | Hotel Schwarzwald | Freudenstadt | Black Forest | Germany
We are delighted to invite you to join us for the 34th Freudenstadt Symposium on 04–06 July 2025. This year’s edition takes aim at the strategic paralysis that many feel is holding Europe back. Drawing on regional perspectives within a broader European and global context, we provide a platform for discussing political and economic developments – and for reflecting on what it takes for Europe to move from crisis management to momentum creation, and to grow into its own power, confidence, and responsibility.
In the face of political fatigue, growing disinformation, inward-looking populism, and mounting global pressure, many feel overwhelmed – even resigned. What’s missing is not the diagnosis, but the courage to act decisively and constructively. While challenges abound – from competitiveness and defense to infrastructure, climate, and social cohesion – the roadblocks are often self-made: over-regulation, reactive politics, fear of unpopularity, and lack of vision. Can we break this Catch-22 and start making real, grown-up decisions – with accountability, transparency, and transformative ambition?
Across these intertwined topics, this year's Symposium promises lively and fruitful discussions on how Europe, its regions, and its people can build on the seeds planted in the three main sections, learn from each other, and jointly work towards unleashing potential. We hope you will join us!
v Europe in a Changing World: From Vulnerability to Responsibility – As Europe’s influence wanes & depend-encies grow, strategic relevance demands credibility, resilience, and the capacity to act. Can Europe confront hard truths, regain agency, and evolve from normative ambition to effective engagement – without abandoning its values?
v The European Social Fabric: Between Erosion and Renewal – Polarisation, broken promises, and frustration with politics have eroded trust across regions and generations. Representation feels distant, social cohesion strained. Can we confront uncomfortable realities – and rebuild confidence in our societies, institutions, and ourselves?
v Systems That Deliver: Unblocking Innovation, Investment and Impact – Europe’s future depends on systems that enable – not constrain. How can we overcome regulatory, structural, and mental barriers to unleash transformative innovation across sectors? Can strategic infrastructure, energy, and industrial policy become engines of resilience, competitiveness, sustainable transformation and sovereign cooperation?
As always, we aim to create a space for thought-provoking yet accessible conversations that inspire and challenge – far from echo chambers, close to the real issues. Participants from across Europe and generations – including politicians, diplomats, businesspeople, academics, journalists, activists, and individuals – will join us in lively exchange, framed by the informal spirit and scenic beauty that make Freudenstadt special.
Speakers include:
John Austin (Academy of International Affairs-NRW), Stefan Kaufmann (former Member of German
Federal Parliament), Stefan M. Buettner (Chair, UNECE Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency), Patricia
Conlan (Centre for Irish German Studies, Uni Limerick;), Christoph Meister (Economist), Patrik Buchmüller
(Prof. in Economics, DHBW Villingen-Schwenningen), Erdal Yalcin (Prof. in Int.Economics HTWG Konstanz), Artur Gergert (University of Stuttgart), – further speakers are soon to
be confirmed.
Further Information
Dr. Stefan M Buettner, Christoph Meister, Prof. Patrik Buchmueller, Patricia & Frank Conlan and Prof. Christopher Harvie.
We are at the remarkable Hotel Schwarzwald Freudenstadt (3 star) – with swimming pool and spa, near woods and quite close to the town centre (Helene-Frey-Weg 2, 72250 Freudenstadt, www.hotel-schwarzwald-freudenstadt.com).
Starts at 17.00 (sharp) on Friday 04 July and concludes
after lunch (ca. 14.00) on Sunday 06 July.
Friday afternoon/evening: Welcome, Setting the scene, Opening keynote
Saturday morning: “Europe in a Changing World: From Vulnerability to Responsibility”
Saturday afternoon: “The European Social Fabric: Between Erosion and
Renewal”
Sunday morning: “Systems That Deliver: Unblocking Innovation, Investment and
Impact”
The lounge and the surrounding park stand ready for evening get-togethers to continue
conversations.
Early arrivers may convene on the terrace for pre-event coffees [not included] & conversations.
The all‐inclusive fees* of £ 309 or 349 € (includes
conference, 2 nights’ accommodation, and all meals - only drinks are extra) should be paid in advance. You will receive payment details with the registration confirmation.
Students: A limited number of places are available for enrolled students at a reduced price of £45 or 50 €. First come first served.
Note: please pay by 05 June 2025, full fee payable if you cancel after 23 May 2025.
To benefit from the room contingent reserved by us please register by 23 May 2025 stating your full name, affiliation and contact details by email to FDSsymposium@gmail.com with the keyword "Freudenstadt Registration". Later registration is possible, subject to availability. Students, please send proof of enrolment. Click here to register.
By plane: Stuttgart airport (1½ hours away by
hourly train). Alternative Airports
are Karlsruhe-Baden, Strasbourg, Friedrichshafen, Basel-Mulhouse &
Memmingen.
By train: Plan to arrive at Freudenstadt Stadtbahnhof. We might be able to pick you up from Freudenstadt Stadt station
if you let us know your estimated time of arrival.
To plan your journey, you can
consult www.rome2rio.com or ask ChatGPT about the best way
Please make your travel arrangements as soon as possible!
We are looking forward to seeing you in Freudenstadt on July 04-06, 2025.
Chris Harvie, Stefan M Buettner, Christoph Meister, Patrik Buchmueller, and Patricia & Frank Conlan
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Von: stefan.m.buettner@web.de [mailto:stefan.m.buettner@web.de]
Gesendet: Sonntag, 27. Juni 2021 20:21
An: irland-journal@t-online.de
Betreff: REMINDER | Virtual 30th Freudenstadt Symposium on European Regionalism | 2/3 July 2021 | 'Covid-19 Recovery and Political Change in Europe'
Unser Fazit: Wer Zeit hat, registrieren und dabei sein! Es ist d a s Symposion, das über Jahre hinweg von unserem leider viel zu früh verstorbenen Mitarbeiter Eberhard "Paddy" Bort mit vorbereitet wurde. Die anderen Damen und Herren aber sind auch teilweise alte und gute Bekannte, denen Ihr Euch gut anvertrauen könnt!
Universität Tübingen:
Department of Britsih & Irish Studies
Department of Banking
Centre for Irish-German Studies,
University of Limerick
REMINDER – register until 30 June to take part
Dear Christian,
Prof. Christopher Harvie and Stefan M. Buettner cordially invite you and interested colleagues to join them at the
30th Freudenstadt Symposium on European Regionalism:
taking place ONLINE on 2-3 July 2021 on ZOOM.
This years’ themes are in short:
v The United Kingdom in the aftermath of Brexit (Keynote of Claire Hanna MP)
v Europe and its Regions (Keynote: Franziska Brantner MdB))
More details on these themes and the event can be found further down this email or in the PDF-invite [click to download].
Hoping you can make it and with best wishes,
Chris Harvie, Stefan M Buettner, Patrik Buchmueller, Patricia & Frank Conlan and Christoph Meister
P.S. feel free to pass this invitation on to others that may be interested in this event.
Further Information:
- Theme 1 sessions take place on Friday 2 July 17-18.15 and 20-21.00 CEST
- Theme 2 sessions take place on Saturday 3 July 11-12.00, 14-15.00 and 17-18.15 CEST
- All sessions can be attended individually
- See our page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EuropeanRegionalism/
- Should you wish to be removed from our invitation list, please inform us by responding to this email.
Prof. Christopher Harvie & Stefan M. Buettner
e: christopher.harvie@uni-tuebingen.de / stefan.m.buettner@web.de
30th Freudenstadt Symposium on European Regionalism:
02-03 July 2021 | Online Event (Zoom-Conference)
We are delighted to invite you to join us for the 30th Freudenstadt Symposium on 2-3 July 2021. Given the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 virus we have decided to go online for this year’s symposium. As in previous years the symposium intends to provide a platform for discussion of political and economic developments, drawing on regional perspectives within the broader European arena. In this context we plan to look at the implications of Brexit and Covid-19. Overarching topics of our discussion are the increasing political tensions within European countries, including the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol (EU/UK Protocol), and the initiatives to rebuild societies towards a low-carbon economy after the Covid-19 recession.
The online conference will consist of two sessions on Friday 2 July and a further three sessions on Saturday 3 July. There will be time for discussion at each session which will be approximately one hour.
Friday evening: The United Kingdom in the aftermath of Brexit.
|
Session 1: |
Brexit and Northern
Ireland: |
|
Session 2: |
Post-Brexit political developments in the United Kingdom: contributions from Wales, Scotland and England. |
On Saturday there will be three sessions dealing with Europe and its Regions:
|
Sessions 3 and 4: |
EU stimulus for economic, environmental
and social recovery? with
a range of speakers from Germany, Italy and others: |
|
Session 5: |
Roundtable from Europe – regional, political and social developments Perspectives from Hungary, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Ireland and other countries |
Speakers include: Franziska Brantner (MdB and former MEP), Claire Hanna (MP for Belfast South at Westminster since 2019), Jacob Lund (former Member Danish Parliament & Council of Europe), Christopher Harvie (former Member of the Scottish Parliament & Historian) John Clifford (former Honorary Consul of Austria in Scotland), Moritz Neujeffski (Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin), Frank Conlan (Centre for Irish Studies, NUI Galway), John Osmond (writer, Director ret., Institute of Welsh Affairs), Andrea Capussela (author; former head of the economics unit of Kosovo's international supervisor), Richard Wyn Jones (Director Wales Governance Centre, Cardiff University), Andras Vag (Civil Activist, Budapest), Patrik Buchmueller (Economist, Banking Expert, Germany), Anett Ludwig (Sustainability & Energy Sector Expert, Germany), Anthony Salomone (Political scientist and analyst, Edinburgh)
Further Information
Prof.Christopher Harvie, Stefan M Buettner, Patrik Buchmueller, Patricia & Frank Conlan, Christoph Meister
Opening & Session 1 Fri 2 July, 17.00 – 18.15 CEST
Session 2 Fri 2 July, 20.00 – 21.00 CEST
Session 3 Sat 3 July, 11.00-12.00 CEST
Session 4 Sat 3 July, 14.00-15.00 CEST
Session 5 & Closing Sat 3 July, 17.00-18.15 CEST
· Programme and ZOOM dial-in details will be provided after registration.
· All sessions can be attended individually.
This year’s conference will be free of charge as this is solely an online event.
Please register by 30 June 2021 via email, indicating your full name, affiliation and contact details to christopher.harvie@uni-tuebingen.de under the heading “Freudenstadt Registration” click to register.
We are looking forward to our discussion in our first virtual Conference on European Regionalism in 2021!
Chris Harvie, Stefan M Buettner, Patrik Buchmueller, Patricia & Frank Conlan and Christoph Meister
SAVE THE DATE: Join us in person for the 31st Freudenstadt Symposium on 1-3 July 2022