“Come with Us! – Democratic Transformations in Central and Eastern Europe after 1989”

At Europe House, we joined the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom and the European Parliament Liaison Office in London for “Come With Us! Democratic Transformations in Central and Eastern Europe after 1989” — a panel discussion and exhibition marking 35 years since Central and Eastern Europe’s transition to democracy.

The conversation brought together the Ambassadors of Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Lithuania, who reflected on their countries’ experiences during and after 1989, the meaning of freedom and democracy today, and the challenges posed by disinformation and populism. Romania’s Ambassador, Laura Popescu, shared personal recollections of December 1989 and spoke about the figures and values that defined Romania’s transition to democracy.

The evening also marked the opening of the exhibition “Come With Us!”, featuring posters and photographs from 1989–1990, a vivid testimony to the spirit of change that united Europe then and continues to inspire it today.

The event was organised with the support of 12 EUNIC London members - embassies and cultural institutes representing states from the region, including Romania through the Romanian Cultural Institute in London.