More flexibility: What does the UK want and what could the others accept?
Practical information
The 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
From Ambition to Action: Exploring Technological Partnerships with India
The 16th EU-India Summit, held on January 27th in New Delhi with European leaders António Costa, Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant milestone in deepening EU-India relations. At the same time, official bilateral visits from EU member states are on the rise, including that of the French President, who visited India in February to participate in the Artificial Intelligence Summit. As India asserts its technological ambitions and seeks to reduce its dependence on China, Europe is stepping up its efforts to diversify its strategic partnerships.
The Enlargement of the European Union: A Strategic Choice? France, the Western Balkans and the EU in an Uncertain Geopolitical Context
Russia’s war against Ukraine has brought the enlargement of the European Union back to the centre of European strategic debates. In this context, the Western Balkans have regained heightened visibility in discussions on the continent’s security, at a time when the international environment is marked by a growing number of destabilising factors.