by Alex Went, on 12 July 2016 00:00:00 CEST
10am to 12pm: Economic Outlook on the Migration Wave: Bruce Gahir
The present refugee crisis in Europe has been depicted as a difference between the perceived selflessness of nations like Germany in agreeing to take a large quota, and the apparent selfishness of others such as the UK. But the reaction to the refugees also depends very much on the economic situation in each potential host country.
As the continuing wave of refugees arriving at the borders of the European Union sparks discussions all around Europe on how to deal with it - and what the impact will be on the European economies - we need to explore several key questions: What are the different impacts to the macro-economy of EU member states? and how will these impacts influence EU policy decision making and long term growth of EU members?
1.30pm to 2.45pm: European Demographics - Stefano Cavagnetto
As well as splitting opinion among the EU states, the refugee crisis is also changing their demographic fabric. We know that an overall aging population means future hardship, and normally immigration would help foster growth, but it can also open the door for political and social conflict. And as Europe deals with its third major wave of migration in fifteen years, such challenges are prompting European nations to consider reforming their immigration policies.
Demographic challenges and developing policies will be crucial to the future of the EU. In this talk the impact of demographic challenges at various levels will be explored with respect to EU policy decision making.
3.15 to 4.30pm: Ethics and Solidarity - Stefano Cavagnetto and Bruce Gahir
Ethics provide the perspective, motivation and values to help ensure democratic and equitable participation in cultural development, diversity and dialogue that adds to the solidarity of policy decision making in EU member states. Rights serve as the fundamental underpinning and inspiration of cultural creativity and participation and provide the jurisprudence regarding violations of binding conventions and of other no less important instruments.
Rights adhered to by European states also serve to facilitate the political mandate of political action and support in respect to culture and are inextricably linked to the democratic system and ethos and to the rule of law. Not accidently, these interdependent elements comprise precisely the Council of Europe's mandate and overall mission.
However, the key question explored in this talk will be to what extent these ethical principles have assisted in the delivery of solidarity in developing cohesive policies amongst EU member states.
