Open lecture with Åsa Wikforss: Threats to knowledge
March 24, 2026
How is democracy doing in Europe?
What challenges does the EU face?
What are the career opportunities for those who want to work on EU issues?
Are you a student, doctoral student or employee at Södertörn University, Red Cross University or KTH within Campus Flemingsberg?
Welcome to an inspiring day at Södertörn University on May 12 During the day, you will have the opportunity to listen to engaging lectures and panel discussions with experts and professionals, as well as gain valuable information on internship and career paths in the EU. Take the opportunity to deepen your knowledge, ask questions and make valuable contacts. We look forward to seeing you on May 12!
Where? Södertörn University
When? May 12 10.00-18.00
How to get there? The day is divided into three parts, see full program below.
Part 1: Information table and exhibition in Foyer MA5
10.00-12.00 Open exhibition table at the main entrance
Part 2: EU and democracy from different perspectives in Auditorium MB416
12.00-17.00 Lectures and panel discussions
Part 3: Closing mingle in Foyer 4
17.00-18.00 Mingle, networking and coffee
Registration is required for parts 2 and 3, and can be done here. Please note that you must be a student, doctoral student or employee at Södertörn University, Red Cross University or KTH within Campus Flemingsberg?
Full program:
Part 1 – Infocenter Foyer MA5
10.00-12.00 Information table and exhibition
During the morning you can meet the organizers and partners of the event and get answers to questions about their activities as well as about studies, internships and career paths in the EU. Meet representatives from Europa Direkt Stockholm/Intercult, Student Ambassadors for EU Careers, SH’s International Office/Student Affairs and Study and Career Advisors at SH.
Part 2 – Auditorium MB416
12.00-12.15 Opening of the day
12.15-13.15 The road to an EU career – experiences and tips from those in the know
Do you dream of a career in the EU institutions? Would you like to know how to take the first step towards your EU career? In this inspiring session, you will meet people who have already made the journey – from traineeships to established roles in EU organizations. They will share their experiences, insights and concrete tips to help you navigate the path to an EU career.
Moderator:
Alexandra Örnberg Schenck zu Schweinsberg, Student Ambassador for EU Careers at Stockholm University
Participants:
- Helena Hanke, HR Assistant, European Parliament Luxembourg
- Agnieszka Ratajczak – former Blue Book trainee and former Student Ambassador for EU Careers
13.15-13.30 BREAK
13.30-14.00 Experiences from ongoing work in Ukraine – Lecture
Speaker:
Jason Murphy, Nurse and Lecturer at the Red Cross College
14.00-14.50 Journalism, disinformation and EU security – Panel discussion
How do we navigate an information landscape where the truth is constantly challenged? This panel discussion explores the impact of disinformation on our democracy and the role of the media in safeguarding security, both from a European and national perspective.
Moderator: Jessica Gustafsson
Jessica Gustafsson, PhD and Senior Lecturer in Media and Communication Studies at Södertörn University
Participants:
- Johan Wullt, Head of the Communication Department, Representation of the European Commission in Sweden
- Per Enerud, Senior Analyst, Swedish Psychological Defense Agency – Information Influence
- Henrik Sköld, Reporter at SVT’s verification desk
- Jakob Kerren, EU-focused freelance journalist
14.50-15.00 BREAK
15.00-16.00 Culture, education and civil society as democratic defense – Speech followed by discussion
Can culture be our main line of defence against polarization? While engagement is growing, financial resources are being squeezed – from cuts to Swedish public education to the tough negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget. In this session, we explore i how access to culture and education directly affects our democratic health. We shed light on the issue through the experience of both the Parliament here at home and the work on the ground in the European Parliament.
Moderator : Rasmus Kalén:
Rasmus Kalén, Project Coordinator Europe Direct Stockholm/Intercult and student at Södertörn University
Speakers:
- Alice Bah Kuhnke (MP), MEP and member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), rapporteur for AgoraEU and former Minister for Culture and Democracy.
- Malin Danielsson (L), Member of Parliament and spokesperson for cultural policy, vice-chair of the Culture Committee and deputy member of the EU Committee.
16.00-16.50 Local perspective – how do we engage on democracy issues? Panel discussion
How do we translate great democratic ideals into concrete engagement in everyday life? How can we increase voter turnout in both national and European elections, especially in areas where distrust of politicians and civic institutions is highest? In this conversation, we shift the focus to the local perspective and explore how we can build engagement and trust through culture, urban development and leadership.
Moderator : Per Johansson:
Per Johansson, Head of Unit European Parliament Local Office
Panelists:
- Karin Lekberg, Cultural strategist with focus on urban development, Flemingsberg Block Party
- Aza Cheragwandi (S), Municipal Council Huddinge Municipality
- Pedram Afsari, Director of the Technical Museum in Tensta
- Karl-Oskar Lindgren, Professor of Political Science at Uppsala University
16.50-17.00 Closing words
Part 3 – Foyer 4
17.00-18.00
We end the day with an informal mingle, where you will have the opportunity to make new contacts and discuss the day’s topics with the speakers and other students. Coffee and snacks will be served!
The EU Day is a collaboration between Europa Direkt Stockholm, Intercult, Södertörn University, EU Career Sweden and parts of Campus Flemingsberg: Royal Institute of Technology and Red Cross University College.
Do you have questions about the event?
Contact: europadirekt@intercult.se
