A Free Iran – A Safer Europe

Why Iran’s Democratic Struggle Matters to Denmark and the EU

20 October 2026 · 17:00–18:30
Danish Parliament, Christiansborg, Copenhagen

How can Denmark and the European Union support the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, counter the Iranian regime’s activities in Europe, and help prepare for a stable democratic transition in Iran?

A Free Iran – A Safer Europe brings together policymakers, security and Iran experts, representatives of civil society and the business community, and members of the Iranian diaspora to explore these questions and identify concrete steps for Danish and European action.

Iran’s struggle for freedom is a matter of human rights and solidarity. It also has direct implications for Europe’s security, democratic resilience and economic interests. This conference will examine both the challenges posed by the Islamic Republic’s activities in Europe and the opportunities for a future partnership with a free and democratic Iran.

Three Central Themes

Supporting Iran’s democratic struggle
What political, diplomatic and economic measures can Denmark and the EU take to support the Iranian people’s aspirations for a free, secular and democratic Iran?

Confronting the regime’s activities in Europe
How can Denmark and Europe counter transnational repression, surveillance and intimidation of Iranian dissidents? Discussions will also address influence operations, cyber activities, sanctions evasion and the protection of European institutions.

Preparing for the day after
What preparations are needed to prevent instability, preserve essential public services and establish a credible path towards democracy following the end of the Islamic Republic? What plans is the Iranian diaspora developing, and how can Denmark and the EU contribute?

A Future Partnership

A free and democratic Iran could become an important partner for Europe. Its highly educated population, considerable resources and strong entrepreneurial tradition offer opportunities for cooperation in energy, technology, healthcare, agriculture, water management and infrastructure.

Denmark and other European countries have expertise that could support Iran’s modernization and reconstruction. Responsible trade, investment and knowledge-sharing could benefit both the Iranian people and Europe, grounded in democratic governance, transparency, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The conference aims to move beyond describing the challenges and towards concrete recommendations for Danish and European action—before, during and after a democratic transition in Iran.

Register to join the discussion on a free Iran and a safer Europe.

Held in collaboration with Tænketanken and The Voice of Iranian Lions.

The final programme, format and panel composition are currently being developed.