The annual 'A Speech to Europe' lecture, part of the #WienerFestwochen, was given by #AnneApplebaum this year.

She stressed that Europe's democratic institutions have been shaped by the ideas of philosophers and sustained by the hard work of generations. Social Medias and AI hosted in Europe and governed by European values can help maintain our independence against actors who seek to undermine them.

Read or watch to the full speech:

https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/a-speech-to-europe-2026-the-european-moment/

#digitalsovereignity #europa

Dear Fediverse, dear Reader,

I am grateful for the effort that you have put into building this digital infrastructure for the public good.

I want to contribute, what I hope some of you might find as meaningful and worthwhile contributions. Please allow me to try and fail.

I want to share my thoughts on content related to culture, politics and our fight for a just and sustainable future.

Let's engage, discuss and grow together. We are the change that we want to see!

AW

#introduction