After a turbulent decade, a growing economy and the victories of pro-European forces in France and elsewhere have returned a sense of optimism to the European Union. In order to prepare the EU for future storms, a number of far-reaching reforms have been proposed. These touch upon asylum policy, Eurozone governance and European security. The window of opportunity for undertaking such reforms is narrow, and the recent years of crises have left deep divides between and within EU member states. How can the EU build trust and repair the collateral damages caused by the crises? Is a comprehensive reform package possible, and what kind of compromises would it require? How can the EU deal with the challenge of authoritarian populism?
Opening remarks and Chair:
Teija Tiilikainen, Director, Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Speakers:
Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Director of Studies, European Policy Centre
Petteri Orpo, Minister of Finance of Finland
Comments:
Juha Jokela, Programme Director, Finnish Institute of International Affairs
The seminar marks the launch of the report Re-energising Europe: A Package deal for the EU27. The report is a culmination of five years of work, and reflects more than 120 national and transnational debates across Europe under the New Pact for Europe initiative steered by King Baudouin Foundation, Bertelsmann Stiftung, Open Society Initiative for Europe and the European Policy Centre. The Finnish Institute of International Affairs is one of the national partners of the initiative and coordinated the work of the Finnish National Reflection Group. Download the report here.
For further information, please contact: Marie-Louise Hindsberg, Tel. +358 9 432 7712, marie-louise.hindsberg@fiia.fi