Summer readings in the Citizens’ Garden  

We are happy to invite you to our fourth edition of the European Parliament Summer Readings in the Citizens’ Garden series. During the first two weeks of July, at lunchtime on Tuesdays, Wednesdays (NEW!!) and Thursdays, six authors from different countries will come to read extracts from their literary texts and discuss them with the audience.

The chosen works focus on pressing European issues relevant to today’s society, maintaining both geographical and gender diversity. Through literary presentations the authors delve into topics that concern us as European citizens. Following each reading, the authors will engage in live discussions with the audience, offering insights to further our reflections on these topics. Experienced moderators will steer the discussion through these complex and emotionally touching subject matters.

In the first week, we will begin our series with a renowned Irish author whose book on how his country could slowly but surely transform from a modern democracy into a totalitarian state has been all over the media since its publication two years ago. A Slovak young Roma author illustrates how you can be blind and still be an author writing dedicated literary texts. The third reading features an author from Denmark, the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second term of 2025. Based on stories about children living at different times starting from the past up to the near future and covering different geographic areas he explores the topics of migration and belonging.

The second week is dedicated to three completely different topics. Recent political developments triggered some hopes that the war in Ukraine might come to an end -  somehow - some time? A British-Ukrainian author collected real life stories that illustrate how you can still survive with resilience, hope and even humour when facing continued shelling and destruction. In contrast to this topic, a French author outlines his vision on how to abolish death. Be prepared for a humorous, yet, very thoughtful outline of what it means ‘to be or not to be.‘  Finally, a Berlin based author confronts us with a gaze into the near future - are humanoid robots the answer to growing individualism and feelings of loneliness? Can human feelings be compensated by machines? How intelligent and emotional should AI really become? Questions that are no longer only science fiction, but we need to find answers to.

The readings will be presented in the author's native language, accompanied by translations in English. This provides an opportunity to appreciate the linguistic diversity of Europe while following the readings' content. Discussions will primarily be conducted in English, with flexibility to switch between languages spoken by both the audience and the moderators.

We look forward to welcoming you to these literary discovery tours and inspiring debates!

Summer Readings brochure