The Ralf Dahrendorf Roundtable (RDR) and workshop will take place on 6 June in Vilnius during Baltic Pride Week. Organised by the European Liberal Forum (ELF) with the support of the Liberal Democracy Institute (LDI), the event will address the defence of liberal democracy and the right to freedom of assembly amid rising populist threats.
The Ralf Dahrendorf Roundtable (RDR) and workshop is organised by the European Liberal Forum
(ELF) with the support of the Liberal Democracy Institute (LDI). It is an expert event held in Vilnius
on 6 June during Baltic Pride Week. It will provide a platform for dialogue on defending liberal
democracy, human rights, and freedom of assembly against populist threats.
Participants include Members of the European Parliament, civil society leaders, NGO
representatives, academics, political practitioners and diplomats. Through a combination of
roundtable and World Café workshop formats, the event will foster in-depth discussion and
generate actionable memo for the future of liberal values and democratic resilience in Europe.
Friday (6th of June 2025)
Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, Gediminas av. 44B
10:30 – 11:00 Arrival, registration, and coffee
11:00 – 11:10 Welcome and opening remarks (ELF, LDI representatives, MEP)
11:10 – 11:30 Keynote: Liberalism Under Attack (TBC: academia or FNF representative)
11:30 – 12:30 Ralf Dahrendorf Roundtable Discussion (3 inputs + open exchange):
• Freedom of Assembly under Pressure (Hungarian MO or Budapest protest/pride activist)
• Resilient Liberalism in Europe (MEP/LDI)
• Human Rights as a Liberal Value (LGBTI liberals for Europe)
12:30 – 13:00 Light lunch break
13:00 – 14:00 Thematic Workshops (World Café method):
• Defending the Right to Protest (15 min)
• Institutions under Populist Attack (15 min)
• Building Resilient liberalism and civil societies (15 min)
• Equality is as a liberal value (15 min)
14:00 – 14:30 Workshop sum-up with integrated coffee break
14:30 – 15:00 Workshop sum-up presentation by the moderators and short discussion on key
takeaways for the memo
15:00 – 17:00 Reception and informal networking
Saturday (7th of June 2025) Baltic Pride (optional)
Vilnius old town
13:00 – 16:00 BALTIC PRIDE MARCH
Slogan: Free to Be (Yourself)
From 17:00 BALTIC PRIDE main concert, Baltasis Bridge, Vilnius