GLOBUS Events & Conferences

Symposium "Europe in Turbulent Times"

On 16 January 2025, the "Europe in Turbulent Times" symposium was held to honor the all-too-soon retirement of our highly respected and distinguished colleague, Prof. Dr. Harald Sander. The festive and joyful gathering brought together numeruous colleagues, friends, and students to celebrate Harald's significant contributions to academia and European cooperation.

The symposium delved into the role and responsibility of the European Union in today's intricate global landscape. Valuable complementary perspectives were shared by Willem Noë (former European Commission official), Prof. Dr. Alojzy Z. Nowak (Rector of the University of Warsaw), and Prof. Dr. Harald Sander, discussing how Europe can, and maybe even should, navigate its current challenges while upholding its core values of diversity and unity as a broker of inclusive growth. Jean Monnet's remark that "Europe will be forged in crises" continues to resonate today.

A particularly remarkable moment of the event was when Rector Nowak awarded Harald Sander the Medal of the University of Warsaw, honoring his years of meaningful collaboration and contributions to strengthening bilateral connections between Cologne and Warsaw. Such an award is rarely presented to outstanding personalities with very special merits.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Harald for his dedication and unwavering commitment to science, education, and the advancement of European cooperation. As you begin this new chapter in your life, we wish you all the very best of good luck, sound health, and continued happiness. Your presence will be greatly missed, both as an exceptional academic and as a genuinely kind-hearted person. Rest assured that your legacy will remain a lasting beacon of inspiration for many years to come. Take care.