Social and legal diversity in East-Central Europe

Käte Hamburger Kolleg organises public panel discussion on 5 June

Today, the region of East-Central Europe roughly comprises the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania, Hungary and (Western) Romania. The Käte Hamburger Kolleg ‘Legal Unity and Pluralism’ (EViR) at the University of Münster is hosting a panel discussion entitled ‘Gesellschaftliche Pluralität und rechtliche Vielfalt in Ostmitteleuropa: Perspektiven zurück und nach vorn’ (Social plurality and legal diversity in East Central Europe: perspectives backwards and forwards’) on 5 June (Thursday) at 18.30 in the Studiobühne at Domplatz 23. Dr. Regina Elsner, Professor of Eastern Church Studies and Ecumenics, Slavicist Prof. Dr. Irina Wutsdorff from the University of Münster and historian PD Dr. Iryna Klymenko, Head of the Max Weber Foundation's new Ukraine Research Centre, will be taking part in the discussion, which will be chaired by historian Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ludwig from the Käte Hamburger Kolleg. The event language is German, participation is free of charge. Afterwards, the Kolleg invites you to a reception with snacks.

For many centuries, the region was characterised by great social diversity, as can be seen in the variety of languages, religions and legal affiliations. At the same time, there were interdependencies and distinct forms of cultural coexistence, also with regard to legal structures. ‘East-Central Europe has long been overlooked as an area between Central and Western Europe on the one hand and Russia on the other,’ explains Ulrike Ludwig. ‘With this event, we want to raise awareness of the region and its historical significance. It is essential to focus on the past and present together.’

Further information on the event can be found here.