Europe

The Erhard Busek Ambassador Talks

Ability to act in turbulent times – how do we keep the EU on track?

June 04th, 2024
Sofiia Bartnovska, News from Berlin
20240604 The Erhard Busek Ambassador.jpg

Fostering transnational and cross-cultural discussion as well as bringing people with diverse backgrounds together was one of the life-long missions of IDM’s late chairman Dr. Erhard Busek.

To honour his work and memory, the IDM is launching the event series “The Erhard Busek Ambassador Talks”, which will give a broad audience the chance to learn from and engage in conversation with ambassadors from countries in the Danube Region and Central Europe.

The Russian aggression, energy crisis and war in Gaza – a repeated stress test for the EU’s ability to act. How can the EU remain a recognized international player in these turbulent times? This question will become especially pertinent once another six plus three countries have joined the EU – all bringing their different interests and perspectives to the table. Not to mention what will happen if more populist parties gain power, for whom EU cohesion and solidarity mean nothing. Which reforms of the decision-making processes and institutions are possible or even feasible? What lessons can we draw from the largest enlargement in EU history 20 years ago? Slovenia and Germany have launched an initiative within the EU to make the enlargement process more efficient and dynamic by exploring selective use of a qualified majority. Can this serve as a blueprint for the enlargement and internal reform process initiated in Granada in October last year?

Date/Time: June 10, 2024, 18:00-19:30 CEST
Venue: IDM, Hahngasse 6, 1090 Vienna & Online
Welcome: Friedrich Faulhammer, Chairman of the IDM, Rector of the Universität für Weiterbildung Krems
Discussion: H.E. Vito Cecere, Ambassador of the Republic of Germany 🇩🇪 in Austria & H.E. Aleksander Geržina, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia 🇸🇮 in Austria
Moderation: Sebastian Schäffer, Director of the IDM
For more information & registration: https://www.idm.at/.../the-erhard-busek-ambassador-talks.../
In cooperation with: Deutsche Botschaft Wien & Veleposlaništvo Slovenije na Dunaju / Slowenische Botschaft in Wien

References:

News from Berlin