The Aleksanteri Conference is currently taking place at the University of Helsinki. This year’s theme is “Resisting Authoritarianism in Eurasia.”
At the panel discussion dedicated to Russian civil society in exile, Nikita Makarov, a representative of Initiative FoReDi, participated as a speaker.
During the roundtable, participants discussed the challenges faced by civil and political activists forced to live in Finland and Europe, as well as possible steps that could contribute to the development of Russian civil society.
Among the speakers were:
Maria Petukhova, WOT Foundation (Poland);
Ksenia Thorström, Deputies of Peaceful Russia (Finland);
Natalia Zviagina, Civil Society Forum (Germany).
The discussion was moderated by Riku Savonen, Director of the Finland-Russia Society.
The representative of Initiative FoReDi expressed gratitude to Finland for creating a favorable environment for the development of activism and civic initiatives. However, he also highlighted important issues, such as the lengthy processing of asylum applications and the difficulties in opening bank accounts for non-profit organizations founded by Russian nationals.
In conclusion, the importance of involving Finnish civil society representatives and politicians in events organized by Russian political activists in exile was discussed, with the aim of building a free and democratic Russia in the future.
Initiative FoReDi plans to organize roundtables in the near future on topics such as the effectiveness and focus of anti-war sanctions, the integration of Russian political activists in Finland, an expert view of modern Russia through the eyes of European politicians, and the role of institutions in state development. All interested and concerned representatives of Finnish and Russian civil societies are invited. Stay tuned for announcements.
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