FMA End Of Year Greetings | 3-4 December 2024
FMA END OF YEAR GREETINGS
3-4 DECEMBER 2024
A discussion of the recalibration of EU priorities in the context of pressing geopolitical challenges. FMA Announces Annual Programme with Distinguished Guests and Key Discussions on Artificial Intelligence, and EU Security, Defence, and Democracy
The FMA End of Year Greetings will take place on 3-4 December 2024, at the European Parliament in Brussels. We are very honoured to announce that Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council (2009-2014), Prime Minister of Belgium (2008-2009), and President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives (2007-2008), will be the guest speaker at the Annual Dinner on 3 December at the European Parliament in Brussels. He will deliver an inspiring keynote speech titled “Europe in a dangerous world”.
The Annual Dinner will be preceded by the Annual Cocktail Reception with guest speaker Vice-President of the European Parliament Esteban González Pons. This year’s event promises a series of thought-provoking speeches and discussions focusing on EU security and defence, the impact of new technologies on democracy and the renewal of the European Union’s institutions.
On 4 December 2024, from 10.00 to 11.00, there will be a Librorum event organised in co-operation with EPLO Netherlands, which will feature the presentation of Marietje Schaake’s new book, “The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley.” Marietje Schaake, a member of the FMA and renowned advocate for human rights, will share insights on the erosion of democracy caused by “Big Tech” companies. Dr. Klaus Hänsch will give a welcome speech followed by Danny de Paepe, the Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in The Netherlands. Manuel PORTO, FMA Board Member will then present the book and the author Marietje Schaake. A Q&A session moderated by Michael Hindley, FMA Board Member, will offer the audience the opportunity to engage directly with the author. The event will conclude with closing remarks by Michael Hindley.
From 11.00 to 13.00, the Annual Seminar on “EU Security and Defence: Emerging Threats and Strategies for a Resilient Future” will follow. FMA President and Former President of the European Parliament Dr. Klaus Hänsch will welcome the audience. The Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, and Rapporteur of the Resolution of 9 May 2023 on Critical technologies for security and defence: state of play and future challenges Riho Terras, MEP, will give the opening remarks on “State of play: Geopolitical Tensions and Current Challenges to EU Defence and Security”. C. N. Abel Romero Junquera, Analyst at the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE) of the Spanish Ministry of Defence will elaborate on “EU as a global maritime Security and Defence provider. Indo-Pacific and Arctic as new potential scenarios. Are we able to address it?” Jürgen Meindl, Austrian Ambassador to NATO, will give a speech about “Strengthening EU Strategic Autonomy While Upholding NATO Unity”. François Arbault, Defence Coordinator at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Defence Industry will close the speakers’ list with remarks on “EU’s Defence Architecture in Action – Future steps”. The seminar will conclude with a Q&A session and remarks from Former Member of the European Parliament Edit Herczog.
Keynote speakers and experts will explore new threats and the strategic importance of infrastructure for security, emphasising the need for the EU to secure investment in critical sectors despite a challenging economic environment. The seminar will also consider the need to strengthen the European defence industry. The outcome of the US elections will be considered, as it will have an impact on transatlantic security cooperation and NATO dynamics. The event will serve as a forum to assess how global and regional factors will shape the EU’s future strategic posture and investment priorities.
The seminar will be available both in person in room SPAAK 4B1, European Parliament in Brussels, and online via livestream. Interpretation will be provided in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
ABOUT THE FMA
The Former Members Association of the European Parliament (FMA) aims to utilise the experience and expertise of former MEPs. The FMA is involved in a wide range of activities including seminars, study visits, university lectures, democracy building, and the spreading of information about the European Parliament and the EU. FMA members are committed to fostering cooperation with universities by participating pro bono in the educational programme “EP to Campus”.
PRESS CONTACT
Valerie Raskin
Email: formermembers@europarl.europa.eu – Tel. +32 (0)2 284 07 03
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