European Democracy Lab
The European Democracy Lab is an intergenerational think tank founded by Ulrike Guérot and Viktoria Kupsch in 2014. By connecting research, advocacy and culture, we generate innovative ideas for Europe.
A co-working space in Berlin's Neukölln district is where it all began. Equipped with no means other than motivation and a drive to impact the European discourse with concrete proposals, we started our journey to become the creative hub of thinking we are today.
Ulrike, who spent her whole life working for a variety of think tanks, private and public organizations who shape Europe on a daily basis, was disillusioned when ambitions on the European project were dropped, and when European nation-states increasingly turned against each other. From the sovereign debt to the refugee crisis, division halted development on the European continent.
To counter these developments, she decided to leave her Brussels policy job and start the European Democracy Lab. Since then, we have been working relentlessly, conducting research and cultural projects, organizing lectures and events, engaging in discussions and building a network of people who want to contribute to new European narratives.
The Lab brings together young professionals with different backgrounds and skills in an open environment and empowers them to conceptualize, manage and execute their own projects. It acts as a platform at the intersection of different disciplines to bring about changes in the European discourse and develop innovative proposals to strengthen European democracy.
Our team
Ulrike Guérot
Founder
is the founder of the European Democracy Lab. Since she became a professor at Danube-University Krems, Ulrike continues to support the Lab as a scientific advisor, both physically and on Whatsapp. She has 20 years of experience in the European think tank community and has taught at universities in both Europe and the United States. She is the visionary behind the European Republic and the Lab’s overall agenda.
Marie Rosenkranz
Research Associate & Project Management
studied communication, cultural management and European studies in Maastricht, Granada and Friedrichshafen. Marie joins our team as a project manager and multilingual genius. She previously oversaw a campaign at Polis180 to mobilize young people to go vote in the run-up to the German federal elections last year.
Bastian Kenn
Research Associate & Project Management
studied International Relations in Groningen. When Bastian joined the Lab in 2016, he planned to stay for 3 months as an intern but never managed to leave again. He previously gained experience with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the African Rural Development Movement (ARDUMO) and now supports the team as project manager.
Julien Deroin
Research Associate & Project Management
studied political science in Rennes and European Studies in Frankfurt/Oder. A citizen of La République who has made Berlin his home, Julien is constantly on the lookout for the latest political ideas and debates and our expert on republicanism. He previously taught European and international politics at European University Viadrina.
Verena Humer
Project Manager "The European Balcony Project"
studied German philology, cultural studies and gender studies in Vienna. She has managed a variety of conferences for the Elfriede Jelinek Research Centre and has worked with several of the most important female artists and theatre actors throughout Europe. After working as content and public relations manager, Verena is now in charge of the European Balcony Project.
Laura Sofía Salas
Project Manager
studied public policies, communication and cultural management in Morelia, Konstanz and Friedrichshafen. She previously worked with the free art scenes in Morelia and Berlin on projects around topics like forced disappearance as well as researching and consulting. She recently joined the team and wants to trigger discussion about Europe through politico-artistic interventions.
Anissa Bouabsa
Project Assistant
studied European Studies and Cultural Studies in Passau and Munich. As Project Assistant Anissa is currently involved with the project "Europe yes, but how?" Through her engagement as a Junior Ambassador at the Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ/DFJW), intercultural communication and identity in Europe are her main focus.
Martín Rodríguez Alberdi
Project Assistant
studied International Business and Political Culture in Maastricht, Lima and Bologna. He currently works as a Research Assistant within the Regional Parliament Lab (REGIOPARL) project. Martin has worked at the German Foundation for Integration in Berlin and at the World Leisure Organisation in Bilbao.
Peter Jelinek
Freelancer
works as a content and social media strategist for Mein Grundeinkommen e.V. Peter supports the lab in online communications and campaigning.
Press articles
Contact & Newsletter
The European Democracy Lab was founded at the European School of Governance (eusg) in Berlin and is now supported in its cultural and advocacy work by the non-profit organization European Democracy Lab e.V. Research activities are conducted at the European School of Governance (eusg).
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