Protecting European Values in Times of Change
Rule of Law, Green Transition, and Global Responsibility under the Danish EU Presidency – Where to Next
Protecting European Values in Times of Change: Rule of Law, Green Transition, and Global Responsibility under the Danish EU Presidency – Where to Next
The European Union stands at a critical juncture. From challenges to the rule of law and contested core values, to the demands of the green transition and global geopolitical threats, the Union must find ways to act with resilience, unity, and credibility.
As Denmark concludes its presidency of the Council of the European Union and prepares to hand over to Cyprus, this high-level conference will gather scholars, policymakers, civil society, and business leaders to reflect on Europe’s legal, political, and ethical responsibilities in times of change. The conference addresses the Rule of Law under Pressure; European Values in a Shifting Union; Steering the Green Transition; and Responding to Global Threats
The conference aims to assess the Danish EU Presidency’s contributions, foster cross-sector dialogue, anticipate priorities for the upcoming Cypriot Presidency, and strengthen networks dedicated to European cooperation and resilience.
Speakers and discussants include inter alia the Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, The Council of the European Union, The Confederation of Danish Industry, The Danish Chamber of Commerce, The Cyprus branch of the Fédération Internationale de Droit Européen; Greenpeace, the Danish Energy Agency, Centre for the Rule of Law and European Values, and several researchers from European countries.
Why Attend?
- Engage with an influential network of European thinkers and decision-makers
- Contribute to timely debates on Europe’s legal, environmental, and geopolitical direction
- Participate in forward-looking reflections on EU leadership and responsibilities
- Join an event marking a key institutional transition from the Danish to the Cypriot EU Presidency
Practical Information
Date & Time: 11 November 2025, 9:00–18:30 (registration from 8:30)
Venue: Copenhagen Business School, Dalgas Have 15, DH.Ø.1.89, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Format: In-person
Organizers:
· Copenhagen Business School, Department of Business Humanities and Law
· Centre for the Rule of Law and European Values, UCLan Cyprus
We warmly invite you to join us for this important discussion on the future of European values in times of change.
REGISTRATION: NemTilmeld
Conference Programme
Conference Programme
9.00 – 9.15 Welcome: Søren Hvidkjær, Dean of research, Copenhagen Business School
9.15 – 9.30 Opening Session : Europe at the Crossroads: Protecting Values in Times of Change
- Henrik Andersen, Associate professor, Department of Business Humanities and Law, Director of CBS Law, Copenhagen Business School
9.30 – 11.00 Session I – Rule of Law: The Rule of Law under Pressure: Safeguarding Democracy and Unity in the EU
Chair: Ulla Neergaard, Professor, University of Copenhagen
- Jaroslaw Kuisz, Professor, University of Warsaw: Two Wests: On the Bifurcation of the Post-1945 Political Bloc in the Trump Era
- Stiig Markager, Professor, Aarhus University: The use of the SLAPP-case instrument by the Danish agricultural industry to silence researcher and prevent scientific based regulation of their activities
- Ralph Kaessner, Head of Unit, Council of the European Union: How the EU protects its fundamental values – a reality check
11.00-11.15 Coffee break
11.15-12.45 Session II – European Values in a Shifting Union: Whose Values? Europe’s Identity in a Fragmented Union
Chair: Stina Teilmann-Lock, Associate professor, Department of Business Humanities and Law, Director of GCL Unit, Copenhagen Business School
- Alex M. Uibariu, Centre of Excellence for the Rule of Law and European Values, University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus): Widening Access to Justice as a Means to Fostering Democratic Resilience
- Milka Ivanovska Hadjievska, Post.Doc., Department of Business Humanities and Law, Copenhagen Business School: Shrinking Civic Space in Europe? Challenges, Drivers and Responses
- Nicolas Kyriakides, representative of the Cyprus branch of the Fédération Internationale de Droit Européen (FIDE): Bridging Regions, Building Trust: Cyprus’ Contribution to Europe’s Democratic Future
12.45 -13.30 Lunch
13.30-14.00: Keynote: Lars Aagaard, Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities
Chair: Peter Mølgaard, President, Copenhagen Business School; Chair of the Danish Council on Climate Change
14.00- 15.15 Session III – The Green Transition: Panel debate: Justice, Competitiveness, and Innovation: Steering Europe’s Green Transition
Moderator: Sarah Maria Denta, Associate professor, Department of Business Humanities and Law, CBS Law, Copenhagen Business School
- Helene Hagel, Head of Climate and Environmental Policy, Greenpeace Denmark
- Bue Tidemann, Head of Section, Danish Energy Agency
15.15-15.30 Coffee break
15.30 – 17.00 Session IV – Responding to Global Threats: Resilience and Responsibility: Europe’s Global Role in an Age of Uncertainty
Chair: Milka Ivanovska Hadjievska, Post.Doc., Department of Business Humanities and Law, Copenhagen Business School
- Rikke Wetendorf Nørgaard, Director of European Affairs, Confederation of Danish Industry, Competitiveness First: Reclaiming Europe’s Global Relevance
- Andreas Geertsen, Head of EU & European Affairs, Danish Chamber of Commerce, Europe at a crossroads: How do we go from critical dependencies to strategic independence?
- Andrej Savin, Professor, Department of Business Humanities and Law, CBS Law, Copenhagen Business School, Lawmaking for Deep Uncertainty: Risk-Based Regulation as a Mechanism for Overcoming Pervasive Ambiguity in the Digital World
17.00 – 17.30 Closing Session: From Copenhagen to Nicosia: Priorities for the Cypriot Presidency and Beyond:
Chair: Henrik Andersen, Associate professor, Department of Business Humanities and Law, Director of CBS Law, Copenhagen Business School
Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou, Professor of European Law and Reform, Head of School of Law and Director of the Centre of Excellence for the Rule of Law and European Values CRoLEV, UCLan Cyprus): Access to Democracy in resilient times in Europe
17.30 – 18.30 Reception