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Go to the political calendar 09March

Lecture: Arab Spring and European Fall - promoting democracy abroad while fighting crisis at home

09.03.2012 , 09:00  -  10:30 GMT+1

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In cooperation with the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University and the European Commission the Danish EU Presidency hosts a lecture series that focuses on some of the challenges Europe is facing today. Each lecture has a theme on which two prominent EU politicians - one from Denmark and one from Europe - will relate to in an introduction to a debate. Afterwards the audience is invited to participate in the debate.

The first lecture focuses on the EU's foreign policy. Carl Bildt, Sweden's Foreign Minister, and Villy Søvndal, Denmark's foreign minister, will each give an introduction to European foreign policy in relation to the reforms in North Africa and The Middle East.

Recession dominates European politics, while democratization is a hot topic when debating the Arab Spring. Can the EU handle domestic problems and financial crisis while at the same time contributing positively to the democratic, economic and social changes in Northern Africa and the Middle East?

A researcher from the University of Copenhagen will open the lecture with an introduction to EU foreign policy before the floor is opened for the audience.

Speeches and debate will be conducted in Scandinavian languages.

Programme

  • Welcome by Ralf Hemmingsen, Rector at the University of Copenhagen
  • Ole Wæver, professor of international relations, University of Copenhagen
  • Carl Bildt, Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs
  • Villy Søvndal, Denmark's Minister for Foreign Affairs
  • Debate with the audience

Time: 9 March 9-10.30, Doors open at 8.15 and close at 8.45
Place: The Ceremonial Hall, University of Copenhagen (enter from Frue Plads), 1017 Copenhagen K

The event is free, but registration is necessary: http://event.ku.dk/eu2012/. Registration opens on 1 March.

The event is open to the press and the event will be followed by a press conference.

Contact
Astrid Gufler, University of Copenhagen
Tel: +45 28 75 47 84, email: asg@adm.ku.dk

Rina Valeur Rasmussen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tel: +45 33 92 09 24, email: rinras@um.dk

See photos from the lecture

Lecture by Carl Bildt and Villy SøvndalPhoto: Bjarke Ørsted

Venue

University of Copehagen
Festsalen
Frue Plads 4
1168 Copenhagen
Denmark

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  • Lecture: Arab Spring and European Fall - promoting democracy abroad while fighting crisis at home