13 May 2021
“EU in the changing world, Perspectives from Poland and Slovenia” points of discussion: zoom SDMO s PISM (Polish Institute of International Affairs)
- Demands internally and externally have grown for a stronger and more active European global role. The current European Commission has ultimately defined its geopolitical aspirations. Is the EU capable to retain a leading position in the world? Where is EU as the global player – in the first or the second league?
- The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the political and economic landscape of the EU. Has pandemic become the major game changer of the world order that could jeopardise EU’s geopolitical ambitions?
- Is enlargement in the strategic interest of the EU? If yes, what should EU do? Should EU refocus its external strategies by reinvigorating its neighbourhood policies (Southern and Eastern)? Western Balkans accession to the EU – important priority of Slovenia’s presidency.
On the side of the SDMO, the panel featured Ambassador Dr. Jože Kunič, Honorary President of SDMO, and Mr Mirko Cigler, a member of the SDMO. On the side of the PISM (Polish Institute of International Affairs), the participants included Dr. Marta Szpala, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Eastern Studies, Warsaw (OSW), and Dr. Melchior Szczepanik, Senior Research Fellow at the European Union Programme, The Polish Institute of International Affairs. The discussion was opened by Dr. Łukasz Jurczyszyn, Director of the Brussels Office at The Polish Institute of International Affairs, and Mr. Marjan Šetinc, President of SDMO, who provided introductory remarks for both segments of the discussion. PISM’s Brussels office ensured seamless technical support for the event.
Links
Attachment: Šetinc, Kunič – Future of Europe contribution by SDMO members
Video: EU in the changing world. Perspectives from Poland and Slovenia