Building a Resilient Union: Defending Democracy Against Hybrid Threats in the EU

The European Public Policy Conference (EPPC) 2026 will take place on 25–26 April 2026 at
the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. Now in its 18th edition, EPPC is a flagship
student-led initiative organized by the Hertie School of Governance, bringing together a
diverse network of students, policymakers, academics, and practitioners for high-level
dialogue on Europe’s most pressing challenges. The 2026 edition, held under the theme
“Building a Resilient Union: Defending Democracy Against Hybrid Threats in the EU,”
responds to a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape and the growing complexity of threats
facing democratic systems across the European Union.

The conference will feature a dynamic and interactive format, combining expert panels,
participatory workshops, and roundtable discussions to foster meaningful dialogue and
practical policy exchange.

Core Thematic Panels:

• Across the EU: Strengthening Democratic Resilience from Within
  Exploring how EU Member States can reinforce democratic institutions, safeguard
  rule of law, and build societal resilience against internal and external pressures.
• In the Digital Landscape: Improving Europe’s Digital Integrity Framework
  Focusing on combating disinformation, regulating digital platforms, and strengthening
  cybersecurity to protect the integrity of Europe’s information space.
• At the Frontier: Responding to Hybrid Threats
  Addressing emerging and complex threats such as cyberattacks, foreign interference,
  and cognitive warfare, while developing coordinated EU-level responses.

Together, these panels—complemented by hands-on workshops and roundtables—will
provide participants with both strategic insights and practical tools to tackle some of the most
pressing challenges facing the European Union today.

Full program and more information

Registration