The Future of EU Foreign Policy
An International Conference on the Political, Economic and Cultural Dimensions of EU Foreign Policy
(Berlin; January 4th - 6th, 2011)
As the world reflects on the process of German reunification and its impact on the evolution of the European Union, the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy will hold "The Future of EU Foreign Policy: An International Conference on the Political, Economic, and Cultural Dimensions of EU Foreign Policy". The conference will bring together scholars and academics, civil society practitioners, journalists, political and diplomatic representatives, and other interested stakeholders for a three-day program of lectures and panel discussions featuring renowned figures from international politics, diplomacy, academia, and civil society. Cultural and social activities will complement the academic components and provide an opportunity for participants to expand their personal networks and experience Berlin's rich cultural landscape.The recent 20th anniversary celebrations of the reunification of Germany presented an ideal opportunity to look back at the impact of this historical event on the emergence of the European Union and the changing nature of international relations. Whilst we are able to reflect on the past two decades with ever greater clarity, the future remains ever more uncertain. "The Future of EU Foreign Policy" will address this challenge.
"The Future of EU Foreign Policy" will look in detail at the development of an EU common foreign and security policy, the involvement of the EU in peacekeeping and humanitarian activity, and how the EU's role in the world might development over the coming two decades. Through constructive discussion and debate the conference will provide best practice guidelines for current and future European leaders, and will make policy recommendations at the local, national, and regional levels.
Conference Participants
The conference is open to applications from young professionals, students and scholars, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, journalists, and other interested stakeholders from across Europe and the world.Program Agenda
Background
The European Union has developed from an agreement between six countries in 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community, to an economic and political union with a common treaty and 27 member states. Four more countries are official candidate countries, and another five countries are considered potential candidates. With a population of over 500 million and over 20% of the world's economic output, the EU represents an important player on the global stage. The development of a common foreign and security policy, and establishment of the positions of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, and a permanent President of the European Council, suggests this role looks set to grow."The Future of EU Foreign Policy" will comprise lectures, panel discussions, and debates that will provide an opportunity for the audience to hear from experts and renowned figures in the respective fields. Following each component the audience will have an opportunity to discuss with the speakers in interactive question and answer sessions. The conference aims and issues have been chosen to ensure a diverse selection of topics are considered, reflecting the broad range of issues surrounding the emergence of the EU as a global actor.
"The Future of EU Foreign Policy" will pursue the following specific aims:
- To generate an international, interdisciplinary network of likeminded individuals with an interest in the future of the European Union.
- To establish best practice guidelines fur future leaders at the local, national, and regional levels.
- To support participants interested in conducting their own follow-up activity in support of the goals of the conference
- To identify important areas for future academic research and analysis
- To provide a platform for constructive discussion on salient issues related to the development of the EU and EU foreign policy
- To produce policy recommendations and suggestions for the local, national, and regional levels.
- To create an opportunity for bi-regional dialogue and interaction between Europe and the U.S.
- To provide members interested stakeholders with access to some of the leading academics, politicians, and civil society practitioners of today.
The following issues will be mentioned and explored:
- The EU Common Foreign and Security Policy
(Focus: The High Representative and the EU Council President, EU voting, "old" vs. "new" Europe) - The Future of the Transatlantic Relationship
(Focus: NATO, Iraq and Afghanistan, trade and commerce, US domestic politics) - The EU and the Islamic World
(Focus: Turkish membership of the EU, Islamic communities in EU states, human rights, democracy) - The Conduct of EU Foreign Policy
(Focus: Hard vs. soft power, cultural diplomacy, nation branding) - Europe's Economy and the Global Market
(Focus: Digital technology, knowledge-based economies, free market capitalism vs. protectionism, global financial regulation) - The EU as a Model for Regional Integration
(Focus: EU development, the African Union, ASEAN) - Civil Society, Active Citizenship and the Future of Foreign Policy
(Focus: Civil society pressure groups, lobbyists, referenda, the increase in non-state actors) - Humanitarian Intervention
(Focus: The Sudan, rules of engagement, cooperation with the United Nations and local organisations)
