Can we determine for whom certain physical spaces are available? Are these spaces really available? Is this just an illusion? How aware are we of who created these spaces and with what intentions? In which direction do these spaces change, in which direction do the intentions change? Whose needs are decisive? When we talk about a particular physical space, we must also take into account that there are simultaneously many spaces that are no longer visible. At the same time, possible alternatives to space are all present. Can we grasp the multidimensionality of spaces? Can we deal with it consciously?
We have many questions, we would like to offer the space to examine these questions together, and try to find answers for them.
Popular assemblies are a powerful tool to bring together communities to take over institutional power. In June 2024, EU citizens will vote to elect their new representatives in the European Parliament. It is time to give EU citizens and residents the right to participate in the democratic process not only through voting but also through participatory tools such as popular assemblies, as a legitimate and binding way to formulate recommendations to define how we want to build our collective future.
The Holding Spaces assembly is about all the people with whom we explored our relationship to physical spaces, virtual spaces and mental spaces from different perspectives at Transeuropa. The assembly is a reflection. A space as a forum. A space to bring and take something away. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, brainstorm ideas and opinions, and to exchange them. The assembly will include individual reflection, group work and short speeches. In this event, we would like to bring together what we have explored in detail over the previous four days. The aim of the assembly is for all those who take the time to spend their Saturday afternoon exploring social issues and building community to find inspiration and hope in each other, to recognise their community in struggle, and to find a sense of principled solidarity.