More flexibility: What does the UK want and what could the others accept?
Practical information
Registration for this event is now closed.
Find out more about our donor programsThe United Kingdom is undergoing an important debate vis-à-vis its membership to the European Union. Domestic in essence, this debate however needs to be better appreciated across Europe. Despite the specificities of the UK relationship with the EU, some elements might resonate in other countries, especially since Eurosceptic sentiments are growing across Europe and since there is an increasing disconnect between European citizens and the European project.
In addition, the UK debate is rekindling talks of more flexibility within the EU at a time when “more Europe” has been headlining every European Council for the past few years. Despite the stepping-up toward more integration, there seems to be a slow but genuine realization that the steps taken so far and those that are on the agenda today could fundamentally change the EU and national politics. Those changes may eventually occur, but they require a leap of faith that some may not be prepared to take at face value. Talks of “more flexibility” may become less taboo across Europe and shall be addressed. The Dutch “subsidiarity review” is a resounding example in that matter. What kind of flexibility are the British talking about? What kind of flexibility could be acceptable for other member states? What could be the consequences for the EU to accept more flexibility politically and institutionally?
This expert seminar will be held under the Chatham House rule. The objective is to open a frank discussion about an issue that is likely to gain attention in the coming years.
Programme:
11.30-11.45 Registration
11.45-13.15 The UK Domestic Debate: Is the Europe debate as polarised as portrayed and can it export?
Lord Stewart Wood, Shadow Minister without Portfolio and Adviser to Ed Miliband, London
Vivien Pertusot, Head of Ifri Brussels, Brussels
Chair: Paul Adamson, Editor-in-chief, E! Sharp, Brussels
13.15-14.15 Lunch
14.15-15.45 Flexibility: How contortionist could the EU be?
William Sleath, Head of Unit, Secretary General of the European Commission, Brussels
Piotr Kaczynski, Policy Advisor, European Parliament, Brussels
Chair: Yann-Sven Rittelmeyer, Research Fellow, Study Committee for Franco-German Relations, Ifri, Paris
Other events
Lunch debate with Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand
Discussion co-chaired by Thierry de Montbrial, Executive Chairman of Ifri, member of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, and Marc Hecker, Deputy Director of Ifri (in English without translation).
North Korea Beyond Nukes: Focusing on the Human Rights Challenge
Debates surrounding North Korea are primarily focused on security issues, particularly nuclear and ballistic concerns, relegating the critical situation of the North Korean population and human rights violations to the background. The lack of information about the real living conditions of North Koreans contributes to the absence of attention and discussion on this crucial issue.
Shaping Europe’s Technological Sovereignty
In the wake of Donald Trump's re-election in the United States, Europeans face a crucial imperative: rethinking their sovereigny, especially in the technological realm. What will be the strategic priorities and action levers of the new European Commission on this issue? What assessment can we make of the previous Commission’s achievements and challenges in navigating Sino-American technological competition, transatlantic dependencies, and emerging global partnerships?