Davos Open Forum 2009 - Concluding Remarks

TL;DR

Panel discusses the evolution and challenges of the EU, emphasizing the need for transnational democracy.

Transcript

I'm annecy good evening ladies and gentlemen it's pleasure to welcome you to tonight's panel about the European Union and democracy my name is Luca schmutz I am head of the editorial board of scituate of DRS and it's a pleasure for me to introduce to you the two panelists my left mr. Michele Reiter Oh mr. Ryder as you know is the ambassador of the ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Evolution of the EU from economic to political integration.
• 💠 Challenges of nationalism in shaping EU policies and principles.
• 🌉 Role of ambassadors in bridging communication between EU and member states.
• ❓ Transnational democracy as a solution to promote EU values and cooperation.
• ❓ Relevance of linguistic diversity in EU context and diplomatic engagements.
• 🦾 Promotion of European values through foreign policy and diplomatically navigating arms trade challenges.
• 🪡 Emphasizing the need for better communication and clarity in EU policymaking and decision-making processes.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the European Union evolved over the years and how does it compare to personal growth?

The European Union has transformed from being primarily focused on economic issues to having a more direct impact on citizens through political and policy changes, similar to personal growth with increased profile and character.

Q: What challenges does the EU face in terms of expansion and deepening of its integration?

The EU has navigated rapid expansion while facing challenges related to deepening its integration and maintaining coherence, especially with newer Eastern European member states and differing levels of nationalism.

Q: What role does nationalism play in shaping the EU's development and how has it impacted different regions?

Nationalism within Eastern and Western Europe influences policies and perspectives, with instances of differing nationalism levels affecting decisions on integration and cooperation within the EU.

Q: How does the EU handle issues related to arms trade and foreign policy, and what values does it promote?

The EU grapples with issues of arms trade and foreign policy while aligning with values such as human rights, democracy, and avoiding capital punishment, showcasing internal dilemmas and external challenges in its global influence on policies and practices.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Panelists discuss the development and growth of the European Union over the years.

• Comparison made between personal growth and EU evolution, highlighting the shift towards more direct impact on citizens.

• Focus on the need for transnational democracy and addressing challenges of nationalism and sovereignty within the EU.