The global economic crisis marks the end of an era in economic, political and ideological terms. The globalisation model that has held sway for some three decades, relying on financial markets as the spearhead of global economic integration, is in deep crisis; and so is the real economy in Europe and worldwide despite a few dispersed signs of economic recovery.

But can the EU deliver in these times of crisis? And can Europeans define and collectively defend common interests and values in a multi-polar world where increasingly size matters? What exactly is the EU’s “purpose” in the 21st century and what kind of internal reforms are required to render it “fit”?

Are we capable of defining and implementing a new, common EU mission or does the crisis and current state of the EU rather demand a renewed focus on the preservation of the acquis communautaire?

The event will mark the launch of Policy Network’s substantial ‘EU fit for Purpose’ report as well as three volumes containing over thirty original policy papers on the full range of EU challenges written by leading experts in the field. In addition the debate will be underpinned by a report of Friends of Europe’s Trustees.

Featuring:

Franziska Brantner MEP, Member of the Group of the Greens Andrew Duff MEP, Member of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Hannes Swoboda MEP, Vice Chairman of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Corien Wortmann-Kool MEP, Vice Chairwoman of the Group of the European People’s Party – European Democrats (EPP-ED)

Agenda and timings

17.00 - 17.15    Welcome of Participants

17.15 - 17.45    Introduction by Giles Merritt, Secretary General of Friends of Europe                             Presentation of the ‘EU fit for Purpose’ report by Professor Loukas Tsoukalis, President of the Hellenic Foundation                             for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and Policy Network Board Member

17.45 - 18.15    Keynote address by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission

18.15 - 19.00    Panel Discussion: Defining Europe’s Value in the Next Decade with European Parliament representatives

19.00    Networking cocktail

To dowload the programme please click here.

To dowload the 'EU fit for Purpose' report please click here.

To dowload the 'EU fit for Purpose' article please click here.