How can democracy remain vibrant even in times of social change and technological upheaval? The 11th EUROPA-FORUM, organized in 2026 by Hof University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Soroptimist International Club Hof/Saale, will address this question. Under the title “Democracy Is Not a Streaming Service: Get Involved Instead of Just Watching!”, the event on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., invites attendees not to take democracy for granted, but to actively help shape it themselves. The event will take place in the Audimax (Room B 023) at Hof University of Applied Sciences, Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1. The university will also present the results of a recent survey on attitudes toward democracy among our students in Hof.
In short presentations, experts will shed light on various facets of democratic participation. Katja Reppel, legal advisor and head of the “Democracy, Equality, and Culture” unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, will kick off the event. She will speak about democracy and innovation and, in doing so, address the question of how democratic processes can be further developed at the European level.
The focus then shifts to the growing importance of artificial intelligence. Dr.-Ing. Inga-Lena Darkow, an industrial engineer and head of the “Artificial Intelligence” working group at Soroptimist International Europe, will address the topic “Artificial Intelligence and Democracy.” This will also address the opportunities and challenges that new technologies present for social participation, with a particular focus on the role of women.
The third presentation will be given by Dr. Helga Lukoschat, Board Member of the European Academy for Women in Politics and Business in Berlin and Coordinator of the Democracy Working Group at Soroptimist International Germany. Under the title “Local Politics = Democracy on the Ground!”, she will focus on the local level as a direct space for experiencing and shaping democratic participation.
From Keynote to Discussion
“Democracy thrives when people get involved, take on responsibility, and engage in dialogue with one another. This is precisely the kind of exchange we aim to foster with the Europe Forum,” explains Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Wolff, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hof University of Applied Sciences. And Dr. Hildegard Zeilinger, President of the Hof Soroptimist Club, adds:
“We don’t just want to talk about democracy; we want to use regional examples to show where and how each individual can actively shape it.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Wolff, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hof University of Applied Sciences
Following the keynote presentations, a moderated discussion involving the panel and the audience will begin at 6:35 p.m. Under the guiding question “Democracy Is Not a Streaming Service: How Can We Take Action Ourselves?”, diverse perspectives from politics, academia, contemporary history, the church, culture, and civil society will come together. The discussion will be moderated by Michael Ertel of the Frankenpost’s business desk.
A Diverse Panel Brings Together Different Perspectives
The panel will feature Hanna Vinichuk, Equal Opportunity Officer for the City of Hof and Coordinator of the Partnership for Democracy in the Wunsiedel i. Fichtelgebirge district, as well as Björn Stark, a student member of the Hof University Senate for the 2025–26 term.
Also participating are Gerd Naumann, historian and eyewitness to the 1989 Peaceful Revolution in Plauen, Nicola Aller, associate dean and public relations officer of the Evangelical Lutheran Deanery of Hof, as well as Heidi Lange, representative of “Grandmas and Grandpas Against the Right,” Hof regional group. Thorsten Schaumann, artistic director of the International Hof Film Festival, will contribute the perspective from the worlds of art and culture.
“The diversity of our discussion partners is particularly important to us. Democracy does not exist in just one area of society. It affects Europe just as much as it does local communities, universities, the church, culture, and every individual. And through its diversity, democracy also protects our traditional values.”
Prof. Dr. Peter Schäfer, Professor of European Law at Hof University of Applied Sciences and founder of the Europaforum
Concluding discussion over light refreshments
Following the panel discussion, the Europa-Forum will conclude around 7:25 p.m. with a get-together in the foyer. Light refreshments and beverages will be available for participants. This format thus offers an opportunity to continue the discussion in person and to engage in conversation with one another. The 11th EUROPA FORUM 2026 is organized by Hof University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the Soroptimist International Club Hof/Saale.
“As a global network of professional women, Soroptimists are committed to improving the living conditions of women and girls, as well as to democracy and civil liberties. We are delighted that we can now contribute our expertise as a partner to the Hof University of Applied Sciences’ Europa-Forum.”
Dr. Hildegard Zeilinger, President of the Soroptimist International Club Hof/Saale
Admission is free. Registration is required:
