Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR)

The next EMR Weeklong Seminar will take place from November 03rd - 09th, 2010
Program Director: William Hernád
Email address: emrculturaldiplomacyorg

Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR) is an active network of young, dynamic, and influential people from across the world who have a current interest in the European-Russian relationship. The program has been developed in recognition of the importance of the relationship to Russia, Europe, and the global political system.

Individuals can join the EMR Forum by taking part in one of the EMR Weeklong Seminars that are held in Berlin every 4-6 months. The goal of the EMR Weeklong Seminars is to train and prepare the participants to conducting their own activity in the future. Each EMR Weeklong Seminar will be focused on a specific theme related to European-Russian relations and the goals of the Forum. These Weeklong Seminars include lectures, seminars, and workshops lead by experts from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society, as well as cultural and social activities. In addition to raising awareness amongst the participants of the field of cultural diplomacy and salient issues concerning European-Russian relations, the week also provides an opportunity to network and experience Berlin.

Once they have joined the EMR Forum, members are supported by the ICD in organizing leadership initiatives, conducting academic research, and are invited to join the ICD Online Forum - enabling them to share information and communicate with likeminded individuals across the world.

The Next EMR Weeklong Seminar will take place in Berlin (November 03rd - 09th, 2010) and will focus on the theme:

The European-Russian Relationship: Towards a Stronger Partnership

 As well as examining the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the forthcoming EMR weeklong seminar will focus upon the development of the European- Russian relationship from a cultural, economic and political perspective. After a difficult period in European- Russian relations, exacerbated by the Caucus Conflict and the Gas Crisis that placed the Ukraine in opposition to Russia, talks and negotiations have progressed considerably between Europe and the Russian Federation. The EMR event will examine in particular the following topics:
  • Progress made between the European Union and Russia, focusing on the June 2010 summit in Rostov-on-Don
  • The aftermath/effects of the economic crisis and its consequences on the European-Russian relationship
  • The importance of culture in promoting dialogue between Russia and Europe, with special focus on the new initiatives taken
  • The role of soft power and the strategies adopted by Russia and Europe in terms of foreign policy

In cooperation with: