IDM at the Freedom of Research Summit in Aachen  

Copyright: Karlspreis / Christian van’t Hoen

For the past year, IDM Research Associate Sophia Beiter has explored the research question “A comparative approach to different models of EU integration: How to achieve a citizen-based and reformed EU enlargement strategy?” as a Charlemagne Prize Fellow 2024/25, with IDM as the hosting institution. 

In November 2025, some of her results – and the broader topic of rethinking enlargement through dialogue between citizens, science, and policy – were discussed in a panel during the Freedom of Research Summit, organized by RWTH Aachen and the Charlemagne Prize Foundation.  

The discussion, moderated by Sophia Beiter, brought together Giselle Bosse (Maastricht University) and Giulio Venneri (DG ENEST, European Commission), who contributed valuable perspectives from academia, EU institutions, and citizen engagement. Venneri highlighted the need to strengthen the commitment to explaining the EU enlargement process more clearly to citizens from both EU and candidate countries. He also underlined the importance of involving all actors – from civil society to the business community – in maintaining the momentum of integration. Bosse described enlargement as one of the EU’s most transformative policies and called for more inclusive, democratic processes and improved communication. She emphasized that local engagement – through mayors, media, community actors, and diaspora representatives – is crucial to explain enlargement in accessible, relatable ways and to counter populist narratives in EU member states. 

IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer, who was Sophia Beiter’s mentor during the fellowship, also attended the Summit. The programme included panel discussions on topics such as funding as a political tool, EU tech laws, and freedom and fragmentation in the EU’s urban strategy, a TedTalk session, and a Stand-Up FoR Science Night. It also featured a festive dinner in Aachen’s historic Coronation Hall, where the incoming Charlemagne Fellows and their research projects were introduced. Earlier in the programme, participants visited the European Parliament in Brussels, attending meetings of the CULT and AGRI Committees and engaging in an exchange with Sabine Verheyen, Vice President of the European Parliament.