The Aspen Institute

On June 10-12, 2024, Aspen Institute Romania will organize the this Socrates Seminar, in partnership with the Aspen Institute Socrates Program, and supported by the Foreign Policy Association of the Republic of Moldova and NATO Liaison Office in the Republic of Moldova.

Over the 3 days of the Seminar, we will explore, in a tense geo-political and geo-economic regional context, how the resilience of our societies, certainly in the countries in Central-Eastern Europe, must be constantly strengthened.

If you are interested in participating, please contact socrates@aspeninstitute.org.

Supporting Moldova to Increase its Societal and Democratic Resilience

Taking into consideration the decision taken in June 2022 by the European Council to grant Republic of Moldova the EU candidate status, the government’s strong commitment to deepen cooperation with the political West, and the critical global and regional geo-political and geo-economic context, which is severely affecting the Moldovan society, Aspen Institute Romania took the decision to extend its activity beyond the Romanian borders. Thus, in September 2023, the Aspen Institute Romania officially opened an Office in the Republic of Moldova, a key partner and neighbour with which Romania shares long-lasting historical, cultural, economic, and political ties.

Around 25 participants, representing multiple stakeholders, including public decision makers and private sector leaders, alongside relevant representatives of the civil society and academia, will participate in a moderated high-level conversation, focusing on ways to increase Moldova’s societal and democratic resilience.

The seminar will seek to discuss how Republic of Moldova could strengthen its response to the multiple challenges it faces, and how the political West could offer support, in the context of wider systemic transformations. The Seminar will also seek to incentivize debates on optimal ways of pursuing an enhanced Euro-Atlantic resilience agenda, including by exploring necessary synergies between relevant institutions and societal stakeholders. In addition, the seminar will further explore opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies, including online disinformation and fake news and the pressure these tactics place on institutions and on individuals.

Moderated by Alex T. Johnson, former chief of staff to the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Radu Puchiu, Co-Founder and CEO, H.appy Cities.