About the debate
The Debate on the Future of Europe brings together students from the College of Europe (CoE) and the Institute for European Studies (IEE-ULB) to engage in an insightful discussion and reflect together on the main challenges the EU is currently tackling. The event took place at the ULB Solbosch Campus on the 17th of June of 2024.
The CoE in Bruges hosted the first meeting on February. During that meeting, students were split into different panels and initiated the preparatory work to reconvene during the second part of the event at the ULB on June 17.
The purpose of this joint initiative is to produce practical recommendations concerning the issues identified by the students during their meetings.
Programme
The following panels represent the main themes that were discussed:
Panel 1: Harmony in the Midst of Crises: Balancing Security Challenges and Migration Realities in a Dynamic World.
Panel 2: Fostering a Cohesive European Democratic Tomorrow through Values, Education, Culture, and Youth Engagement.
Panel 3: Moving Beyond the Green and Digital Horizon: Exploring Europe’s Twin Sustainable Transitions.
Panel 4: Reinforcing Prosperity – Moving Forward: Strengthening Economic Governance and Fiscal Policy in the EU.
During the Plenary Session with Guest Experts, some high-level guest speakers joined the conversation and, based on their first-hand expertise, provided insightful comments concerning the recommendations:
- MEP João ALBUQUERQUE (S&D)
- MEP Margarida MARQUES (S&D)
- Mr. Eric LECOMTE (Policy Officer at European Commission);
- Dr. Giacomo ORSINI (Researcher at the University of Ghent and maître de conference at ULB)
- Mr. Sebastien BERCHESAN (Executive Secretary at Stand Up for Europe)