On June 23, the European Parliament will convene a significant conference focused on the challenges and opportunities facing pro-democracy activists in Russia, featuring key figures from civil society and international institutions.

The upcoming conference in Brussels will bring together Russian pro-democracy advocates, anti-war activists, and civil society representatives to discuss the current state of human rights in Russia and the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This event marks the second edition of the ‘Brussels Dialogue,’ following a successful inaugural meeting in June 2023.

Participants will engage in discussions aimed at fostering cooperation among various sectors of Russian society, including academia and democratic movements. The conference will feature prominent speakers, including European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who will address attendees via video message, along with other notable figures such as human rights activist Svetlana Gannushkina and Nobel laureate Dimitry Muratov.

The opening session will set the stage for a series of panels that will delve into pressing issues such as disinformation, the impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and strategies for achieving a sustainable peace. While the opening session will be accessible to the public, subsequent discussions will be held privately to facilitate candid dialogue among participants.