‘Europe Talk - The European Union in 2023: a dream under construction?’

The European Union faces multiple challenges at the same time. Tackling the climate crisis by making the way we produce and live more sustainable. Positioning Europe more forcefully in the global competition for resources and political influence, while a war is raging on our continent. Boosting European production, whilst protecting our companies, workers and environment. Defending our democracies, rule of law and fundamental rights. Preparing for a possible enlargement of the European Union.

A couple of months before Belgium takes over the EU presidency and with the EU elections in June 2024, the Representation of the European Commission in Belgium, the Liaison Office of the European Parliament in Belgium​​​​​ and Bozar are delighted to invite you for a debate with Ivan Krastev (Chairman of the Centre for Liberal Strategies) and Paolo Gentiloni (European Commissioner for Economy) about the state of the European Union: how is the EU responding to current challenges? Which Europe do we want, for the years and decades to come? Can we build our dream?
 
Other panel members are Sara Matthieu (Member of the European Parliament), Fatima Zibouh (co-commissioner of Brussels2030), Mathieu Segers (Maastricht University) and Amir Bachrouri (chair of the Flemish Youth Council), Olivier Le Bussy (Journalist, La Libre Belgique) and Annelies Beck (VRT, moderator). Lisette Ma Neza (slam poet) will perform as well.

Programme

19:00​ Welcome by Bozar
19:03 ​Short intro by Annelies Beck (VRT)
19:05 ​Keynote speech by Ivan Krastev (25 min)
19:30​ Interview with Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for economy & AnneliesBeck (VRT) (10 min)
19:40​ Entracte by Lisette Ma Neza (5 min)
19:45 ​Panel discussion (30 min)
Sara Matthieu (Member of the European Parliament)
Fatima Zibouh (co-commissioner of Brussels2030), 
Mathieu Segers (Maastricht University) 
Amir Bachraouri (chair of the Flemish Youth Council)

Olivier Le Bussy (Journalist, La Libre Belgique)
Moderated by Annelies Beck (VRT)
20:15​ Q&A with the audience (10 min – 2-3 questions)
20:25 Concluding act by Lisette Ma Neza 
20:15 Q&A with the audience
20:25​ Concluding act by Lisette Ma Neza (5 min)