The European Union is largely viewed as a cornerstone of European stability and prosperity. Currently, however, EU foreign policy experiences a broad array of new challenges, resulting in an ongoing reconfiguration of power as well as increased contestation of liberal principles within its core values. Furthermore, the EU has to deal with troublesome actors and neighbours in its immediate proximity. As a result, migration flows promote domestic turmoil and enhance populist, nationalist and anti-establishment movements harbouring Eurosceptic sentiments on one hand as well as scrutinizing existing institutions on the other. International turbulences appear in parallel to EU-domestic conflicts, ranging from austerity, Brexit to growing protectionist measures.
This panel discussed these emerging challenges to European foreign policy, including what they mean for communication and diplomatic coordination.
Welcome Address:
Alexander Gemeinhardt, Chairman of the Board, Schader-Stiftung
Panelists:
- Lars Bo Larsen, Ambassador, Representative to the Political and Security Committee, The Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU
- Prof. Dr. Michael Smith, University of Warwick
- Dr. Heidrun Maurer, Lecturer in EU Politics, University of Oxford
Host:
Prof. Dr. Michèle Knodt, Technische Universität Darmstadt
The foundation, Schader-Stiftung, and the research network “EU Foreign Policy Facing New Realities” (CA17119) of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), led by Prof. Michèle Knodt, Technische Universität Darmstadt, organized this event together.
