Event
Corinthia Lisbon
Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro 105
1099-031 Lisboa, Portugal
We face a generational struggle to defend freedom in Europe and around the world. From the return of big government during the global pandemic, to the rise of the ‘Woke’ counterculture that endangers free expression, from the spread of cancel culture that attempts to re-write our history to suit modern norms, to the threat posed to national sovereignty by a greater centralisation of power in Brussels – across Europe and the Western World we need to bring together movements that stand to defend our freedom.
As we come out of the pandemic, the movement for freedom around the world must come together again and defend its values.
Join us in Lisbon from the 22nd-25th of September as we bring together the largest collection of think tanks, foundations, and liberty loving academics for a conference on reunifying the Freedom Movement.
Agenda
Think Tank Training Day
10:00 - 11:00
First Session
Communications Strategies
11:00
Coffee Break
11:15 - 12:15
Second Session
Message Development: The Leesburg Grid
12:15 - 13:45
Lunch
13:45 - 14:45
Third Session
Communications Programs for Think Tanks
14:45
Coffee Break
15:00 - 16:00
Fourth Session
Mind the Gap: Persuasive Communications
17:30 - 18:30
Informal Welcome Drinks / Networking
09:30
Welcome
09:40
Keynote Speech
Going Forward as a United Freedom Movement
10:00
Panel #1
The Challenge to Freedom in Europe
Europe is undergoing a great period of change, with power increasingly centralised in Brussels, and with more and more directives being passed down from the European Commission encroaching on our freedom. At the same time a surge in support for left wing cancel culture threatens our rights to free expression. Our panel will explore the challenges that we face to freedom today in Europe.
11:00
Coffee Break
11:15
Panel #2
Freedom and the Future of Europe
The European Union has recently been holding discussions on the ‘Future of Europe’ – but what does that mean for liberty in Europe. Will we see greater power given to the Member States and the people, or more power taken away?
12:15
Lunch
14:00
Panel #3
National Sovereignty
Nation States have been at the heart of Europe for centuries. However, in recent years we have seen the EU override the will of the people and the democratic governments that they elected. In this panel we look at how best to strike the balance between European cooperation, and the principle of national sovereignty.
15:00
Keynote Speech
Freedom and Innovation
15:15
Panel #4
Economic Freedom
Free trade has helped to raise millions of people out of poverty and been a driver of economic growth around the world. In this panel we look at the importance of guaranteeing economic freedom in the face of growing opposition from both the left and right.
16:15
Coffee
16:30
Panel #5
Freedom of Choice – Deregulating Europe
Without the freedom to choose there can be no freedom. However, what happens when governments and international institutions start to regulate free choice? Our panel will explore the need for less regulation in Europe, and how it will allow for greater innovation instead.
19:00
Annual Margaret Thatcher Dinner
10:20
Panel #6
Freedom of Movement – Immigration or Integration?
Immigration continues to be one of the greatest issues facing Europe and the Western World today. In this panel we look at some of the possible answers to the problem.
11:15
Coffee Break
11:30
Panel #7
Building a Global Freedom Movement
The threat to freedom is not just a European problem, across the globe those fighting for liberty are under increased pressure from all sides. Our panel talks about the importance of maintaining a global movement in the fight for freedom.
12:30
Lunch
14:00
Panel #8
Building a New Freedom Network – What can think tanks do?
The fight for freedom requires a strong intellectual backing. What role can think tanks and foundations play in spreading the message of freedom? How best should think tanks cooperate with one another? And how do we work towards building a better network?
15:00
Coffee Break
15:15
Panel #9
Reunifying the European Freedom Movement
In order to defend our freedom from the growing number of threats we face in the world, we must rally together – building a more unified movement. In this final panel our speakers offer reflections on what it takes to bring together then European Freedom Movement.
16:15
Closing Speech
The Current State of European Freedom
16:30
End of Conference
17:00 - 18:00
Cocktail reception
10:00 - 16:00
Visit of Sintra
Media