Fulfilling the Vision: European Union Futures - A joint EU Centres’ conference

Many observers are professing increasing scepticism about the future of the European Union (EU).

The lingering economic malaise, the exit of the United Kingdom and the apparent divisions between western and central European Member States seems to undermine the capacity of the EU to offer credible options for addressing the challenges that European citizens experience.

The tensions, at times open conflict in the European neighbourhood, add to a sense of siege in Europe, compounded by growing uncertainty in international relations. Yet the vision which inspired the formation of the EU is too powerful to dismiss lightly. Despite the current difficulties, many Europeans continue to believe that their future lies in an increasingly integrated Europe. Can this be achieved, despite the challenges? Can European and Member State leaders continue to work together to deliver the expectations which citizens hold?

President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker has released a White Paper on the Future of Europe, which sets out five scenarios for how its future might unfold. Which is preferable? Which is the most realistic? How can the EU best respond to the marked uncertainty arising from a resurgent Russia, a globalising China, and a more self-centred United States? T

hese broad questions serve as the primary focus of an international conference to be convened jointly by the European Union Centres in Australia and New Zealand.

Contributions of papers or suggestions for special sessions are now invited. Paper submissions Abstracts for proposed papers or special sessions should be submitted by 14 July 2017 via the conference registration website: http://eucnetwork.org.nz/eucn-news-archive/213-wp52-y3-conf-cfp./

Enquries Please direct any enquiries about the conference to Professor Bruce Wilson: bruce.wilson@rmit.edu.au

The EU Centres look forward to your participation in the conference. This is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the European Union Centres program in Australia and New Zealand, and to look forward to the new activities of the Centres from 2018 onwards.