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- PAST EVENTHybrid
- Hybrid
08 Jun 2026
11:00 am
1:00 pm
About
The workshop “Restoring trust and combating populism” will focus on actions to restore trust between EU institutions and citizens while developing effective strategies to counter populism and disinformation, safeguarding democratic processes and promoting civic engagement. It will be divided into two parts: first, a keynote address by a Ms. Constantin followed by a short Q&A session; and second, interactive discussions with participants. The discussion will focus on the following topics:
- How can we rebuild trust between EU institutions and citizens across diverse communities?
- What narratives and mechanisms can promote unity and counteract populism?
- How can we effectively combat disinformation and protect democratic institutions from fake news and foreign interference?
The workshop is organised as part of our Express2 project, a Horizon Europe initiative dedicated to shaping a new European Social Contract. The event is designed to foster open discussions, strengthen collaborations, and gather valuable insights to refine and advance the draft European Social Contract. This draft will be presented to EU and Member State decision-makers at the end of the project, in 2027.
Agenda
11:00 -11:15
Welcome and Introduction
11:15 -11:35
Keynote speech
by Simona Constantin, Member of Commissioner McGrath’s Cabinet
11:35 –11:45
Q&A session
11:45 -12:30
Interactive Discussion Session
The aim of the session is to collect insights from participants in order to formulate proposals for the draft European Social Contract.
12:30 – 12:50
Summary of the discussion and closing reflections
12:50 – 13:00
Wrap up
Closing remarks by Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General EMI
SPEAKERS
Simona Constantin
Member of Cabinet, Commissioner McGrath – Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, European Commission
Simona Constantin is a Member of Cabinet of Mr. McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection. In her work she focuses on the European Democracy Shield, the European Media Freedom Act, Media Literacy and funding, as well as topics on climate, energy and housing, and citizenship. Between 2014-2019 she worked as a member of the Cabinet of Mrs. Jourová, Commissioner for Justice and Consumers at that time and then from 2019 continued as a member of Cabinet for the Vice-President Jourová.
Petros Fassoulas
Secretary General, European Movement International
Petros Fassoulas has been the Secretary General of the European Movement International since July 2015. Before that Petros headed the European Movement UK for 3 years. Previously Petros worked as ACCA’s Head of Public Affairs, Europe. He has also worked as EU Affairs Adviser at the UK’s Financial Services Authority and before that he was EU Affairs Adviser at the UK Parliament.
Location
- Online
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