Enlargement of EU, Schengen Area & European Elections

In his latest book “Last Train West”, Jochen Richter brings up the lessons learned 17 years after Romania's accession to the EU. The starting point of the book was the question of enlargement and integration, which will be key for future enlargements. This subject has become highly topical again, following Russia’s hybrid wars, its war of aggression against Ukraine and the rekindled dispute over the meaning of "spheres of influence" in the 21st century. Discussing the respective roles of NATO and the EU, this book contains important messages about the difficult and potentially game-changing trade-off between quick, decisive action and the need for thorough preparation. Romania caught ‘the last train’ but perhaps a new direction of travel is needed.

This event aims at bringing an open discussion in a relaxed informal atmosphere and touching upon some of the important questions ahead of the European Elections:

• Have we taken stock of previous enlargements? What is the state of readiness of both the EU and a candidate to EU accession in today’s context (Western Balkans, lessons of Brexit, Russia’s war against Ukraine)?
• The balance between the Copenhagen criteria (rule of law and economic development), EU security needsand building stronger EU Institutions. Where should efforts be made to transpose EU treaties?
• What are the critical success factors for future enlargements? Are “concentric circles” (“Europe à géométrie variable”) and “gradual enlargement” the way forward?
• The meaning of Schengen for Romania
• Romania as a trailblazer for the Republic of Moldova?
• European Elections – what’s in it for the European citizen?

Panelists

• S.E. Livia Rusu – Ambassador of Romania in Luxembourg
• Ms. Anne Calteux - Head of Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg
• Mr. Jochen Richter – author of the book & Chairman of the Global Security Forum in the Diplomatic Council
• Ms. Erna Hennicot Schoepges – Vice-president of the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy
• Prof. Robert Harmsen - Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Luxembourg University

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Foyer européen european Foyer, 10 Rue Heinrich Heine, Luxembourg, Luxembourg