Europe finds itself at a time of great geopolitical challenge, and Central Europe is in the eye of the storm. Poland, Hungary and Slovakia border Ukraine, but are at odds in what the right response to Putin’s war of aggression is, while Hungary in particular is also increasingly at odds with EU policy towards the USA and Israel.

Attitudes towards Russia and also the US are the source of political division in several Central European countries, while actors on the illiberal right are acting increasingly boldly, feeling empowered by the Trump administration. Recent Polish presidential elections and a parliamentary election on the horizon in Czechia in September have the potential to change the political landscape further. In different ways, the relationship of these countries with the UK is also significant, with Poland in particular a vital partner in European defence and security.

Our expert panel will be discussing the role of Central Europe in this complex moment, including attitudes on Putin’s war of aggression, and the impact of the Trump administration on recent and upcoming elections in the region. The panel will also offer its views on how these developments might impact relations with the UK. There will also be an audience Q&A.

Speakers:

– Monika Brusenbauch Meislová (Masaryk University, Brno)

– Aleks Szczerbiak (University of Sussex)

– Vladimir Bilčík (GLOBSEC)

– Alexander Faludy (Journalist)

– Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP (chair)

This event, organised by Aston University, the Foreign Policy Centre, and the UK in a Changing Europe, will take place in Parliament in Committee Room 10 on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, at 18:00.

Registration is required to be able to attend the event. Please sign up via Eventbrite here.