Join the EXPRESS² Winter School
From February 18 to 20, 2025, join us online for the EXPRESS² Winter School, a dynamic event designed to connect young people and students with leading researchers and experts in exploring and discussing the creation of a new EU social contract.
Are you passionate about democracy, participation, and the future of the European Union? Take part in thought-provoking discussions, expand your knowledge, and help shape the ideas that will drive a more inclusive and democratic Europe.
This three-day program will dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Europe today—such as insecurity, populism, gender inequality, climate change, and digitalisation—through engaging discussions, debates, and interactive sessions. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation and help build a more inclusive and democratic Europe.
Join the EXPRESS2 Scholar Contest
Complete the Winter School to access the EXPRESS² Young Scholar Contest, to be held in May in Istanbul. Between 3 to 4 abstracts will be selected to be presented online, and the best of these will be included in the EXPRESS² edited monograph. More details will be shared during the Winter School.

Event Details:
- Dates: February 18–20, 2025
- Format: Online via Microsoft Teams
- Registration: Register here
Agenda:
Day 1: February 18, 2025
- Welcome Remarks and EXPRESS² Project Presentation
Antoni ABAT. EXPRESS² Scientific Coordinator (Universitat Autònoma de
Barcelona) - EXPRESS² Theoretical framework
Antoni ABAT & Jorge PIÑERA (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) - EXPRESS² Disruptive Elements: Insecurity
Jakob von HOLDERSTEIN HOLTERMANN (Kobenhavns Universitet) - EXPRESS² Disruptive Elements: Populism
Giuseppe MARTINICO (Scuola Superiore Santa Anna) - Closing Remarks (day 1)
Antoni ABAT
Day 2: February 19, 2025
- Welcome Remarks
Antoni ABAT. EXPRESS² Scientific Coordinator (Universitat Autònoma de
Barcelona) - EXPRESS² Disruptive Elements: Gender Inequality
Gülru GÖKER (Sabanci University) - EXPRESS² Disruptive Elements: Climate Change
Alberto BARRIOS FERNANDEZ (Kobenhavns Universitet) - EXPRESS² Disruptive Elements: Mistrust
Juan Antonio MAYORAL & Alejandro TIRADO (Universidad Carlos III Madrid) - Closing Remarks (Day 2)
Antoni ABAT
Day 3: February 20, 2025
- Welcome Remarks
Antoni ABAT. EXPRESS² Scientific Coordinator (Universitat Autònoma de
Barcelona) - EXPRESS² Disruptive Elements: Digitalisation
Giulia GENTILE (University of Essex) - EXPRESS² Disruptive Elements: Pandemics
Beatrice MONCIUNSKAITE (Dublin City University) - EXPRESS² Intersections: Challenges and opportunities surrounding the adoption of a social contract in the context of the EU democratic deficit
Jacquelyn VERALDI (Central European University) - Conclusions and Closing Remarks of the Winter School
Antoni ABAT
Each day will include debates and Q&A sessions, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with leading scholars and contribute to discussions on shaping a more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable European Union.
Download the agenda in PDF.
We look forward to your participation!