Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský delivered the opening speech emphasizing the need to nurture democracy and civil society and build their resilience. “We shall overcome,” he recalled the motto of Václav Havel’s speech from the time of the Velvet Revolution, noting that the Czech Republic has continued its democratic path since then. This year's Dialogues were steered by contributions of Mati Maasikas, Director of the European Division of the European External Action Service, Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director General of the European Commission's Directorate for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), Maria Dahle, Director of the Human Rights House Foundation, and Marilyn Neven, Head of the Brussels Office of International IDEA.

The discussion focused on promoting the resilience of democracy and civil society in the world through European external action. It addressed current and emerging challenges facing democratic principles and civil society around the world. The panelists further debated the specific mechanisms available to the EU, their relevance and possible room for improvement. The positive impact of enlargement policy was highlighted as crucial.

The speakers agreed that it is necessary not to relent in supporting a free civil society and protecting democratic principles and their functioning. Václav Havel also advocated for these. His legacy, views and emphasis on the role of civil society remain an inspiration today.

The Václav Havel European Dialogues were prepared by the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Brussels, the Czech Centre Brussels, the Representation of Prague to the EU and the Václav Havel Library.

This year's edition of the Václav Havel European Dialogues was part of a series of events on human rights and democracy prepared by the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU. Among them is the traditional lighting of candles at the Václav Havel bench in Brussels' Léopold Park, which took place on 17 November in the presence of Ambassador Edita Hrdá, the Slovak ambassador Mr. Juraj Nociar and the Czech and Slovak community in Brussels.