Europe’s Strategic Choices (ESC) 2020

Am 5. und 6. November 2020 richtet das ISPK, gemeinsam mit dem Chatham House und der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), zum siebten Mal die jährliche Konferenz "Europe's Strategic Choices 2020" aus. Die ESC-Konferenzreihe zielt darauf ab, die komplexen Herausforderungen, mit denen Europa in den Bereichen Sicherheit, Wirtschaft und Technologie konfrontiert ist, zu diskutieren und Lösungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen. Anders als in vergangenen Jahren, wird die diesjährige Konferenz ausschließlich online über Zoom und Conference+ ausgerichtet und bringt damit eine größere Anzahl internationaler TeilnehmerInnen zusammen, als dies in einem Präsenz-Format möglich wäre. Die TeilnehmerInnen haben über diese Plattformen die Möglichkeit, mit den ExpertInnen und politischen EntscheidungsträgerInnen in Dialog zu treten, an Live-Abstimmungen teilzunehmen und mit anderen KonferenzteilnehmerInnen über das Networking-Tool von Conference+ zu interagieren.

Auf der Agenda stehen in diesem Jahr u.a. die Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Krise auf die wirtschaftliche Zukunft Europas, die Wahlen in den USA, die zunehmend spannungsgeladenen Beziehungen zu China und die langfristige Herausforderung, Europas wirtschaftliche Wettbewerbsfähigkeit, Wachstum und soziales Wohlergehen angesichts struktureller Veränderungen und des tiefgreifenden technologischen Wandels, sicherzustellen.

Die (vorläufige) Agenda der Veranstaltung finden Sie unten (in englischer Sprache).

Weitere Informationen finden Sie außerdem auf der Konferenzwebseite.

Agenda ESC 2020  

Please note, that live sessions will take place at various times between the following hours in different time zones. (1300 – 1800 GMT/1400 – 1900 CET/1700 – 2200 GST/2200 – 0300 JST/0500 – 1000 PST/0800 – 1300 EST)

Thursday 5 November  

1400 – 1930 (all times below in CET)

Welcome Remarks  

1400 – 1415

Session One | The Transatlantic Relationship and the 2020 US Presidential Election

1414 – 1530

The relationship between Europe and the United States is founded on a perception of shared values and a bedrock of economic interdependence and understanding of the need for close cooperation on foreign policy. Historically, the relationship has prioritised a rules-based approach to international affairs and support for liberal democracy. However, the United States under the Trump Administration has looked inwards, raising questions around its commitments to the Atlantic Alliance and multilateral institutions and undermining jointly negotiated agreements on climate action, global health and arms control. With the alliance under strain, the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election, which takes place shortly before the conference, will have a profound bearing the future trajectory of transatlantic relations.

Break

1530 – 1600

Keynote | Next Generation EU Plan: Challenges for Securing a Resilient, Sustainable, Economic Recovery

1600 – 1630

Session Two | Europe’s Political Economy Post-Coronavirus

1630 – 1730

In the face of an economic downturn unparalleled since the Great Depression, the impact of COVID-19 has prompted a pause and rethink of the relationship between the state and the economy in Europe, with potential long-term consequences for national and supranational economic governance and for the future of the European project. This session will discuss Europe’s road to recovery and how the political economy of the EU is being reshaped as a result of the pandemic.

Break

1730 – 1745

In Conversation | Transatlantic Security: External Threats, Leadership and the Future of NATO

1745 – 1815

Session Three | Europe’s Security: How Can Europe (De)Fend for Itself?

1815 – 1930

Europe faces a multitude of security threats, from terrorism and cyber warfare through to geopolitical conflict and foreign interference in internal democratic processes. These threats do not stop at national borders and emphasize the need for shared insights and greater cooperation between European countries to address common security concerns. France continues to push for European autonomy in security policy externally to NATO, while Germany adheres to a belief that the European pillar within NATO should be strengthened. With the US retreating from a leadership position in NATO, and the UK exiting the EU, it has become increasingly important for Europe to take on more of the burden for its own defence without losing the benefits of collaborating with traditional allies.

Close of Day One

1930

Friday 6 November

1400 – 1715 (all times below in CET)

Keynote | The Future of UK Trade

1400 – 1430

Session Four | The Global Economy and Trade in the Covid Era

1430 – 1530

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global economic contraction, resulting in significant demand and supply shocks to global trade flows. It has heightened tensions between the US and China, putting the rules-based trade system under increased strain. Meanwhile, the environmental and geopolitical risks highlighted by COVID-19 have the potential to accelerate the localization of supply chains, aided by technological advancements, raising questions around a wider trend towards de-globalization.

Break

1530 – 1600

Session Five | Europe’s Digital Strategy and Tech Competitiveness: Doomed to Play Catch-up?

1600 – 1700

In February, the European Commission unveiled its European Digital Strategy. The series of proposals aim to make the EU globally competitive in a digital economy increasingly defined by geopolitics, through strengthening its tech sector and reducing reliance on foreign technology. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the importance of technology to European life, and the extent to which this is intertwined with technology from beyond the bloc’s borders. Europe’s goal is to encourage a globally competitive tech sector through policies that also benefit its citizens.

Closing Remarks

1700 – 1715