Join the live-streamed public Panel Discussion: “Europe and the Value of Culture for International Relations” hosted by the University of Amsterdam.
This panel discussion is organised within the framework of the ValEUs Workshop “Future Pathways of Culture in International Relations”, convened by Claske Vos (11–12 February 2026, Amsterdam).
About the Panel Discussion:
In its most recent Cultural Compass, the EU argues that the value of culture should be recognised as a key strategic pillar of EU external action. This is based on a firm belief that culture will help the EU to protect and promote diversity, strengthen its global role, and deliver tangible benefits for societies worldwide. Yet this belief in the value of culture for international relations has become increasingly challenged. How to strategically invest in culture in a global context marked by ongoing conflict, geopolitical power play, and ‘new’ imperialism?
During this round table we will provide a brief historical overview of the EU’s engagement in international cultural relations and engage with a diverse group of speakers in a round table to discuss the challenges the EU faces today, its key dilemmas, and where its greatest potential lies. How do these different actors see Europe’s role — and what needs to change for culture to truly contribute to a more just and peaceful world?
Moderator & Panellists
Katz Laszlo
Moderator
Katz Laszlo (moderator) is a freelance radio reporter for broadcasters including NPR, WNYC’s Radiolab, BBC World Service and the Dutch Public Broadcaster’s Radio 1, and makes The Europeans Podcast.
Lars Ebert
Panellist
Lars Ebert is Secretary General of Culture Action Europe, the political voice of the Cultural Sector in Brussels, and advocates for strong cultural policies in Europe. Previously he was co-director of H401 in Amsterdam and deputy director of The European League of Institutes of the Arts. Lars has a specific interest in participatory practices and art-based research, holds a postgraduate degree in theology, is a frequent speaker and facilitator, publishes regularly and serves on the board of various organisations in the areas of culture, education and research.
Lynn Fu
Panellist
Lynn Fu is a Shanghai/New York based independent curator and producer. Her career focuses on international collaboration between China, Asia and beyond with her passion in exploring new possibilities of connecting people from different backgrounds through the performing arts. Lynn is an ISPA global fellow, Edinburgh Fringe industry associate and international jury member of the European Spaces of Culture. In 2021, she co-founded Arts Access Shanghai, a platform to increase access to Shanghai’s cultural institutions for the local disability community through connection, education and advocacy.
Aya Kasasa
Panellist
Aya Kasasa is a specialist in strategic and multi-stakeholder partnerships with expertise in EU and OACPS cooperation frameworks. She previously served at the Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Brussels, where she led the implementation of the ACP–EU Culture Programme and coordinated policy portfolios on migration, urbanisation and demography within the EU–OACPS partnership framework. She currently works as an independent consultant and serves as a jury member for EUNIC’s Spaces of Culture programme.
Claske Vos
Panellist
Claske Vos is anthropologist and Assistant Professor at the Department of European Studies at the Humanities Faculty of the University of Amsterdam. Her current work focuses on the intersection of EU funding, cultural activism and enlargement. Her expertise is in European cultural policy, cultural heritage, Southeast Europe and European identity formation.
