In the first six months of 2010, Spain takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Spanish ambassador in the Federal Republic of Germany, S. E. Rafael Dezcallar, will speak about objectives and focuses of Spain’s presidency during the Jean Monnet Keynote Lecture at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology on Wednesday, January 27. The event organized by ZAK | Centre for Cultural and General Studies will start at 18 hrs in the NTI-Hörsaal, building 30.10, Engesserstraße 5, on KIT Campus South.
During the Spanish EU Council Presidency from January 01 to June 30, 2010, the amendments of the Lisbon Agreement will apply for the first time, such as the introduction of the majority principle for a number of decisions or the strengthening of the EU parliament. Spain’s highest representative in Germany therefore considers 2010 a key year for Europe’s future. At KIT, the high-ranking diplomat will explain the European policy agenda of his home country. According to Dezcallar, Spain will focus on economic, social, and foreign policy aspects as well as on strengthening the EU to the inside and outside. According to the representative of Spain, Europe’s strength in the globalized world is based on the principles of technical, economic, and political innovation as well as on equal opportunities and solidarity. Dezcallar considers it a special challenge to find possibilities of how the EU can “speak with one voice” in the future.
Pathbreaking for the European Union: Spain’s Council Presidency in the first six months of 2010 (Photo: KIT)
The Jean Monnet Keynote Lecture named after the French mastermind of Europe Jean Monnet (1888-1979) is an event organized by ZAK in cooperation with the Heinrich Hertz Society, and Karlsruhe University Society. It takes place once per semester and is part of the Jean Monnet teaching module of ZAK, which is funded by the European Commission. At these lectures, students, KIT members, and the interested public are given the opportunity to discuss topics relating to European integration and identity with renowned experts.
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