Brussels Hosts Russian Dialogue

The European Parliament is set to host a significant conference this Tuesday, bringing together Russian pro-democracy and anti-war advocates with European Union officials, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding amidst escalating tensions. The conference, supported by the European Commission and the European External Action Service, will be held in Brussels and marks the second iteration of the “Brussels Dialogue.”

The event will feature prominent figures including the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who will deliver a video message. Other notable speakers include Vice-President Pina Picierno, Commissioners for Defence and Enlargement Andrius Kubilus and Marta Kos, and UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Mariana Katzarova. Keynote addresses will be delivered by human rights activist Svetlana Gannushkina and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dimitry Muratov.

Discussions at the conference will center on the challenges faced by Russian society, particularly in human rights, the implications of Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine, and combating disinformation. The dialogue aims to explore pathways toward a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, emphasizing cooperation among civil society, academia, and democratic activists from Russia and their EU counterparts.

Media access will be limited to the opening session from 9.00 to 10.15 CET, which will also be available via live stream for broader public engagement. This meeting underscores a continued effort by EU institutions to engage with Russian democratic forces in a meaningful and impactful manner.