Friends of Europe
    Europe's World

Café Crossfire Evening Debate
Defining Europe's 'Soft Power'
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - La Bibliothèque Solvay

There is a growing recognition around the world that Europe, for all its military shortcomings, exercises a degree of “soft power” that is making it a global force to be reckoned with.

From climate change to development aid, the European Union has been setting the agenda. What are the components of the European Union’s increased political influence, and how best in the years ahead should this soft power be wielded?

In terms of Realpolitik, is soft power doomed always to be secondary to hard power, or is its importance all the greater now that the situation in Iraq is revealing the limitations of military might?

Co-moderated by:

  • Ernst Stetter, Director of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
  • Giles Merritt, Secretary General of Friends of Europe


  • Featuring:

  • Menouar Alem, Ambassador of the Mission of Morocco to the EU
  • Eneko Landaburu, EC Director General for External Relations
  • Michael McKinley, Deputy Chief of the Mission of the US to the EU


  • 17.30: Welcome of Participants & Drinks
    18.00 – 19.00: Debate
    19.30: Networking Cocktail


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