Dialogue Beyond Borders: Double Cities Dialogue Forum II
On 28–29 May 2026, the second Dialogue Forum of the BorderLabs CE project brought together 25 participants aged between 18 and 60 from three European double cities at the Kleist Forum in Frankfurt (Oder). Organised by the Institute for Conflict Management at the European University Viadrina, the event created a unique space for open and respectful conversations on some of the most pressing and controversial issues facing Europe today.
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in facilitated discussions on topics such as migration from Asia and Africa to Europe, the war in Ukraine, increasing defence expenditures within the European Union, the rise of nationalism, growing social polarisation, and the spread of hate speech and defamation in the media. Rather than focusing on reaching consensus, the forum aimed to strengthen participants’ ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue across political, cultural, and personal differences.
A key objective of the event was to explore methods of constructive dialogue that could be transferred to other cross-border and European contexts. According to participants, the forum offered a rare opportunity to discuss politically and personally sensitive issues with people they had never met before in an atmosphere of mutual trust and openness. Many highlighted that they had not only gained new insights into the topics discussed but had also learned valuable techniques for conducting genuine and respectful conversations.
The Dialogue Forum forms part of the Interreg Central Europe project BorderLabs CE, which seeks to strengthen participatory cross-border governance and social cohesion across Central Europe. Alongside the twin cities of Frankfurt (Oder)–Słubice, the project also involves the double cities of Esztergom–Štúrovo and Gorizia–Nova Gorica, creating opportunities for citizens to exchange experiences and jointly reflect on the future of Europe’s border regions.
The outcomes of the Dialogue Forum will be further evaluated later this year as part of the BorderLabs CE project activities, contributing to the development of innovative approaches for participatory cross-border cooperation and citizen engagement.