7th of May 2019
National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA)
30, Expoziției Bulevard, Bucharest, Romania
Conference Room 804
The Roundtable organized by the Institute for the Study of Extreme Events (ISEE) of the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) will address the current context and future prospects of the EU-Canada relations, with a special emphasis on the perspective of New Member States (NMS) in Central and Eastern Europe.
In a context in which the multilateral world order is being eroded, and there are disruptive developments such as Brexit and ongoing trade conflicts, it is more challenging than ever to preserve the unity of the EU. This discussion aims to address the role of the transatlantic relationship in mitigating the impact of negative events, and to explore the perspective of EU NMSs with regard to the current security challenges, as well as with respect to existent political and economic opportunities.
15:00—15:20 Welcoming Remarks
• Remus Pricopie, Rector of the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA)
• Daniel Dăianu, President of The Institute for the Study of Extreme Events (ISEE) and Member of the Romanian Academy, Member of the Board of the National Bank of Romania
15:2 –16:40 Why the Transatlantic Relationship is Vital for Democracy and a Stable World Order?
The multilateral world order is contested by an increasing inward-looking syndrome in global affairs. There is growing uncertainty in international cooperation in the face of increasing rivalries on the part of global superpowers. The architecture of global governance is going through an unclear process of restructuring. What can be done to prevent the collapse of the multilateral arrangements? How should the West deal with China and Russia? Are economic and political interests aligned in the current state of affairs? Is the current world order stable? Can the transatlantic links still ensure peace and security?
Co-Moderators: Gabriela Crețu, Chairman of the European Affairs Commission of the Romanian Parliament, and Kevin Hamilton, Ambassador of Canada to Romania
• Nelson Michaud, Professor, University of Public Administration (ENAP), Canada
• Clara Volintiru, Executive Director ISEE
• Antonia Colibășanu, Chief Operating Officer of the Geopolitical Futures LLT
• Andra Martinescu, Cambridge University
• Alexandru Georgescu, Research Fellow, EURISC Foundation
• Cătălina Moisescu, Fribourg University
5 minutes break
16:45—18:15 EU New Member States (NMS) and the Transatlantic Relationship
In the new democracies in Europe, there has been a widespread conviction that people should live in free and just societies, where fundamental rights are protected under the rule of law. Nowadays, we see these ideas being challenged by some political forces and governments. The upcoming European Parliament elections could end up with one of the most polarized decision-making bodies in the history of the EU. What is the future of the liberal order in the new member states (NMS)? To what extent will the NMSs continue their commitments to both the EU and NATO? How can the economic and political links between Canada and NMSs be fostered and deepen bilaterally and in a multilateral framework?
Moderators: Clara Volintiru, Executive Director ISEE
• Ioan Mircea Pascu, Vice-President of the European Parliament
• Christopher Duggan, Embassy of Canada to Romania
• Ion Ioniță, Senior Editor, Adevarul
• Rareș Burlacu, Senior Researcher, ISEE and ENAP (Quebec)
• Ioana Melenciuc, Lecturer SNSPA and Researcher ISEE
• Alexandru Șerban, Fellow, Atlantic Council
• Marius Comiș, Researcher ISEE
Concluding remarks: Daniel Daianu, President of ISEE
Format of the discussion: the moderators will introduce the topic and main arguments, which will be followed by short interventions (5 minutes) on the part of the speakers, after which a dialogue will take place among the participants.
The presentation held by Professor Nelson Michaud can be read here.
The presentation held by Professor Clara Volintiru, ISEE Executive Director can be read here.
The presentation held by Professor Ioan Mircea Pascu can be read here.