Berlin Hub
events
A Floating Market of Ideas and Solidarity in Civil Society
Berlin Hub is all about community – that’s why we maintain a vibrant and regular series of events and open calls to bring all types of people together. And don’t worry if you’re not in Berlin: we sometimes take things online too.
calendar
24 October 12.00 CET
Work on Conflicts: Is There a Space for the Council of Europe? (Online webinar)
The Council of Europe, though not a security organisation, has a role to play in armed conflicts between its member states. Cases arising from conflicts in Georgia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine may reach the European Court of Human Rights, but long delays and obstacles to the enforcement of judgements cast doubt on the Court’s capacity to act as the sole provider of timely and effective remedies. CURE – Campaign to Uphold Rights in Europe invites you to join the discussion on the role of the Council of Europe in armed conflicts with the leading experts on CoE issues. Register here.
7 November
12:45 – 17:30 CET
FilmFestival Cottbus: Film Screenings & Discussion (offline)
As part of this year’s FilmFestival Cottbus, we invite you to a special programme of film screenings and a panel discussion, exploring resilience in today’s Russia.
At 12:45 PM, Mr Nobody Against Putin follows a teacher in the Ural Mountains who documents the rapid militarisation of his school following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, offering a glimpse into everyday life under propaganda, accompanied by the Sakha short film Songs of Duolan, about a young man who escapes mobilisation to Georgia but longs for his Yakut homeland. At 3:30 PM, Memorial.Liquidation traces the forced dissolution of the human rights NGO Memorial (Russia) during a 2021 show trial.
The programme continues at 4:30 PM with a panel discussion, Civil Society in Russia: Who’s Left?, held in cooperation with the German Sakharov Society and featuring Sakhamin Trofimov, director of Songs of Duolan.
8 November 2025 18.00 – 21.00 CET
What does freedom mean to human rights defenders who fled war or dictatorship and found refuge in Berlin? How does Berlin, a city long associated with freedom, resonate with those who were forced to leave their homes simply because they stood up for human rights? And what can we together, as Berliners, learn from their stories, their struggles and their resilience? Together with human rights defenders from Syria, Sudan and Russia, now living in exile in Berlin, we will explore these questions and many more. The event will take place at the Reforum Space Berlin (Wiener Straße 31, 10999 Berlin).
November 2025 (TBC)
“To be fear(less) = To be brave?” Theatre Performance (offline performance)
This interactive theatre production by Zivilcourage explores the fears that paralyse and isolate activists from Eastern Europe and those living in exile in Germany. Drawing on real testimonies from grassroots organisers, NGO workers and community voices, the performance becomes a collective rehearsal of resistance and courage. Hosted by Miron Vitushka and Sofia Verba. More information coming soon.