Václav Havel: How do we defend democracy in troubled times?

- - - - - English version below - - - - - In 2026, Václav Havel would have turned 90. As a playwright, dissident and Czechoslovakia’s first democratically elected president, he became one of the most powerful symbols of the struggle for freedom and democracy in Europe.

But Havel does not belong only to history.

At a time marked by geopolitical tensions, war in Europe, pressure on democratic institutions and an increasingly polarised public debate, Havel’s questions seem more relevant than ever: How do we defend truth in a world filled with ideologies and misinformation? What responsibility does each citizen have? And what role does morality play in politics?

The University of Copenhagen and the Embassy of the Czech Republic invite you to an afternoon of discussion and reflection on the legacy of one of Europe’s most influential thinkers and statesmen.

Through three panel discussions, Havel will be explored as a playwright, philosopher and politician. Drawing on key works and speeches, scholars, writers and public commentators will discuss the questions that preoccupied Havel and continue to challenge us today: academic freedom, ethics, civil society, democracy and political responsibility.

Panel guests: - Jiří Ellinger: Ambassador - Kirsten Busch Nielsen: Dean, University of Copenhagen - Peter Bugge: Associate Professor of Global Studies, Aarhus University - Tine Roesen: Associate Professor of Russian Studies, University of Copenhagen - Niels Barfoed: Author and journalist - Dan Zahavi: Professor of Philosophy, University of Copenhagen - Tomáš Hermann: Professor of Philosophy, Charles University, Prague - Anders Berg-Sørensen: Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Copenhagen - Adéla Gjuričová: Director of the Institute of Contemporary History, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague

The event will be moderated by journalist, author and historian Vibe Termandsen.

A small reception will follow the event.

Please note that the event will be held in English.

Practical information for the day - Address: University Library in Fiolstræde, Fiolstræde 1, 1171 Copenhagen K - Doors open approximately 20 minutes before the event begins - Toilets are on the left-hand side of the foyer when entering through the main entrance For visitors with limited mobility - There is a ramp and an automatic entrance door when entering through the green gate (marked ‘B’) from Frue Plads, beside the library - In the library hall, there is a lift leading to the basement beneath the library, where there is a toilet with space for a wheelchair

In 2026, Václav Havel would have celebrated his 90th birthday. As a playwright, dissident, and the first democratically elected President of Czechoslovakia, he became one of the most powerful symbols of the struggle for freedom and democracy in Europe.

At a time marked by geopolitical tensions, war in Europe, pressure on democratic institutions, and an increasingly polarized public debate, Havel's questions seem more relevant than ever: How do we defend truth in a world shaped by ideology and misinformation? What responsibility does the individual citizen carry? And what role should morality play in politics?

To mark the 90th anniversary of Havel's birth, the University of Copenhagen and the Embassy of the Czech Republic invite you to an afternoon of discussion and reflection on the legacy of one of Europe's most influential thinkers and statesmen.

Through three panel discussions, Havel will be explored as a playwright, philosopher, and politician. Drawing on key works and speeches, scholars, writers, and public commentators will discuss the issues that preoccupied Havel and continue to challenge us today: academic freedom, ethics, civil society, democracy, and political responsibility.

Through conversations among leading scholars, writers, and public intellectuals, we will explore why Havel's ideas continue to resonate in our own time, shaped by geopolitical tensions, democratic uncertainty, and a growing need for responsible leadership.

On the scene: - Jiří Ellinger: Ambassador - Kirsten Busch Nielsen: Dean, University of Copenhagen - Peter Bugge: Associate Professor of Global Studies, Aarhus University - Tine Roesen: Associate Professor of Russian Studies, University of Copenhagen - Niels Barfoed: Author and Journalist - Dan Zahavi: Professor of Philosophy, University of Copenhagen - Tomáš Hermann: Professor of Philosophy, Charles University, Prague - Anders Berg-Sørensen: Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Copenhagen - Adéla Gjuričová: Director of the Institute of Contemporary History, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague The event will be moderated by journalist, author, and historian Vibe Termandsen.

Please note that the event will be in English.

Practical Information for the Day

Address: University Library in Fiolstræde, Fiolstræde 1, 1171 Copenhagen KDoors open approximately 20 minutes before the event beginsRestrooms are located on the left-hand side of the foyer when entering through the main entrance Accessibility Information Step-free access is available via a...