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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ECR Group
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DTSTART:20180101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20201211T170000
DTEND:20201211T193500
DTSTAMP:20260929T221827Z
CREATED:20201208T104600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221827Z
UID:8569-1607706000-1607715300@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:Launch of the ECR European Tour: “Europe’s Future. A New Hope\"
DESCRIPTION:The future of Europe hangs in the balance. The peoples of Europe want their national democracies to co-operate together in a community of sovereign states; they do not want their countries replaced by a country called Europe. We are facing a crucial moment in European history. The ultimatum presented by the federalists to those of us who believe in national democracy is unacceptable. They tell us it is ‘more Europe or no Europe’. But there is a middle way. It is time to restore the ideal of a Europe that respects the sovereignty of our national democracies. It is time to rebuild our community of European states – a Europe of mutual respect\, cooperation and solidarity. \nIt is time for a new hope for Europe. \nA Live broadcast from the Royal Castle in Warsaw\n  \nEuropean Union 2.0: A programme for reform \nFriday\, 11 December 2020\, 5 pm – 7.35 pm CET \nThe ECR Group in the European Parliament will imminently launch the European Tour on the Future of the European Union. The tour will take the form of a series of live broadcasts from 15 European capitals\, in which citizens of our Member States will be consulted. The Future of Europe Conference\, announced by the President of the Commission\, is a challenge for all European political movements that do not share the Federalist vision. The so-called pro-European federalists tell us it is ‘more Europe or no Europe’.We do not believe in extremes. There is a middle way. It is time to restore the ideal of a Europe that respects the sovereignty of our national democracies. It is time to rebuild our community of European states – a Europe of mutual respect\, cooperation and solidarity. It is time for a new hope for Europe. \nThis is why the ECR Group is launching the European Tour; to consider more effective and durable alternatives to European centralisation. We want to show that a new way can save Europe from the clutches of a federalist ideology; an ideology that risks rolling back all the progress made by sovereign\, national democracies working together over many years as equal partners for the common good. \nThe tour will debut with a live broadcast from Warsaw: “European Union 2.0. A programme for reform”. In 2021 the tour will stop in major cities across the continent to discuss Europe’s Future with politicians\, academics and civil society participants. Our events will be live streamed\, sharing the vision of a Europe that does less\, but does it better. \nMore information will be shared on our Social Media Channels and on our website: www.ecrthefuture.eu. \nJoin us to #ResetEU \nTwitter: @Reset_EU_ECR \nFacebook: @ECRgroupEU \nInstagram: @Reset_EU_ECR \nYouTube: ECRgroupEU \n \n \nSpeakers \n– ECR Co-Chairs Ryszard Legutko\, PiS\, Poland\, and Raffaele Fitto\, Fratelli d’Italia\, Italy \n– Jorge Buxadé Villalba\, Leader of the Vox delegation in the European Parliament\, Spain \n– Carlo Fidanza\, Leader of the Fratelli d’Italia delegation in the European Parliament\, Italy \n– Angel Dzhambazki\, Leader of the VMRO-Bulgarian National Movement delegation in the European Parliament\, Bulgaria \n– Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP\, PiS\,Poland \n– Professor Chantal Delsol\, philosopher\, writer\, Institut de France \n– Professor David Engels\, historian\, Free University of Brussels (ULB) \n– Professor Magdalena Bainczyk\, lawyer\, chief analyst at Institute for Western Affairs \n– Professor Tomasz Grzegorz Grosse\, lawyer\, University of Warsaw \nPresenter: Ms Dorota Łosiewicz \n  \n\n  \nProgramme \nIntroduction: Our Vision @ 5 pm CET \nMEPs Ryszard Legutko\, PiS\, (live from Warsaw) and Raffaele Fitto\, Fratelli d’Italia\, (live from Italy)\, Co-Chairmen of the ECR Group \nPanel 1: European Values @ 5.15 pm CET \nThere is a tendency to conflate the European Union with Europe – but should we really? Does the Union really protect and nurture Europe’s heritage? Are the values it relies on really the foundational values of Europe itself? How can we make the EU truly European? \nSpeakers: \n– Professor Chantal Delsol\, philosopher\, writer\, Institut de France \n– Professor David Engels\, historian\, Free University of Brussels (ULB)\, Institute for Western Affairs \nChair: Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP\, PiS\, Poland \nPanel 2: Rule of treaties @ 5.45 pm CET \nThe EU Treaties are the bedrock of the Union. How can the treaties shine light on the evolution of the EU? How much attention is paid to the significance of the Law by the Union today\, and does the Union itself respect the Treaties? How should the EU change to curb recent negative trends regarding the respect of the Treaties? \nSpeakers: \n– Professor Magdalena Bainczyk\, lawyer\, chief analyst at Institute for Western Affairs \n– Professor Tomasz Grzegorz Grosse\, lawyer\, University of Warsaw \nChair: Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP\, PiS\, Poland \nPanel 3: ECR Europe’s Future @ 6.15 pm CET \n– Ryszard Legutko (Co-Chairman of the ECR Group in the European Parliament\, PiS) \n– Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP\, PiS\, Poland \n– Jorge Buxadé Villalba (Leader of the Vox delegation in the European Parliament\, Spain) \n– Carlo Fidanza (Leader of the Fratelli d’Italia delegation in the European Parliament\, Italy) \nWhat next @ 7.25 pm CET \n– Angel Dzhambazki (Leader of the VMRO-Bulgarian National Movement delegation in the European Parliament\, Bulgaria) \nThe event will be web streamed with live interpretations in English\, Polish\, Spanish\, Italian and Bulgarian. \nJoin the ECR’s European tour. We will stop in the capitals of our nations to discuss Europe’s Future with politicians\, academics and civil society. Our broadcasts will be live streamed to share our vision throughout Europe. More to come on our Social Media Channels and on our website: www.ecrthefuture.eu #ResetEU
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/ecr_european_tour_europes_future-_a_new_hope/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20201126T140000
DTEND:20201126T140000
DTSTAMP:20260929T221830Z
CREATED:20201123T193700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221830Z
UID:8558-1606399200-1606399200@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:I thee wed… Centennial anniversary of Poland’s return to the Baltic Sea
DESCRIPTION:Discussion on the significance of the Baltic Sea for European and Polish history and the premiere of two short films by alumni of the Gdynia Film School: ‘Sto lat’ and ‘Pewnego razu nad morzem’. \nWe will have the pleasure to be the first to watch two short films “Pewnego razu nad morzem” and “Sto lat” (both with English subtitles) made and produced especially for this anniversary by the Gdynia Film School. The premiere will be preceded by an exchange of views with Mr Hermann Tertsch\, MEP and Mr Daniel Hannan\, a historian and a Conservative Party politician\, on the importance of the Baltic Sea in the history of Europe and Poland. \nYou can follow the discussion on Twitter or on Facebook.
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/i_thee_wed-_centennial_anniversary_of_polands_return_to_the_baltic_sea/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200916
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200917
DTSTAMP:20260929T221834Z
CREATED:20200914T065300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221834Z
UID:8513-1600214400-1600300799@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:State of the Union Speech by the President of the European Commission
DESCRIPTION:The ECR Group is looking with great interest to the address from Commission President von der Leyen on the State of the European Union on Wednesday morning. The ECR believes that the legislative should now focus on Europe’s economic recovery. However\, the European Conservatives and Reformists have always stated that the current health crisis should not be exploited as an opportunity to establish an even more centralised Europe. The ECR opposes centralist Brussels impositions\, and believes that the EU should be more flexible and respectful of the prerogatives of the different countries. \nThe ECR believes all proposals should be subject to a “recovery test” to be included into the EU’s Recovery Programme\, to lighten the burdens on businesses and societies. The ECR also asks Mrs Von der Leyen to express the Commission’s commitment to sensible and practical measures for the European citizens such as: creating jobs\, safeguarding citizens and borders\, respecting the rights and sovereignty of Member States\, developing a competitive and sustainable economy\, improving the Union’s efficiency and effectiveness and – last but not least – improving cooperation with global partners.
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/state_of_the_union_speech_by_the_president_of_the_european_commission/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200206
DTSTAMP:20260929T221839Z
CREATED:20191203T093000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221839Z
UID:8428-1580860800-1580947199@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:Maritime Security and the Blue Economy
DESCRIPTION:On Wednesday the 5th February 2020\, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR Group) is organising the first ECR International Conference on Maritime Security and the Blue Economy\, which aims to look at challenges and opportunities of security in our seas and oceans\, and the future of maritime trade from both a European and Transatlantic perspective. \nThe deteriorating security situation in the seas and oceans in many parts of the world has recently become the cause for growing concern within the international community. The number of incidents in the Baltic Sea involving Russian forces has continued to grow while the recent advancement of Nord Stream II is shifting the energy and security balance in the region against Euro-Atlantic Allies. \nTo fully unlock the potential of the oceans\, considerable investment and an environment that fosters innovation and cooperation are required. It is through adequate maritime security and freedom of navigation that we can maintain the rule of law in areas beyond national jurisdiction and protect our strategic and economic interests. \nEach panel will be followed by a question and answer session in order to inspire and engage participants to come forward with policy recommendations for future engagement. We look forward to the much needed discussion and debate on how to fully unlock the potential of this emerging economy. \nAGENDA \n\n 14.15 Registration\n\n\n14.30 Welcome Remarks\n\nAnna FOTYGA\, MEP ECR\, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson \nRaffaele FITTO\, MEP\, ECR Co-President \n\n14.45 Keynote Speech\n\nLieutenant General (ret.) Frederick Benjamin HODGES – Centre for European Policy Analysis \n\n15.15: MARITIME SECURITY. CASE STUDIES: BALTIC SEA\, STRAIT OF HORMUZ\, ARCTIC SEA & SOUTH CHINA SEA \n\nPanel discussion\, moderator: Anna FOTYGA – MEP ECR\, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson  \nSpeakers: \nTimo Juhani SOINI\, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland\, former MEP \nCapt. (N) Prof. Bartłomiej PĄCZEK\, Dean of Faculty of Command and Maritime Operations\, Polish Naval Academy \nDr. Peter BROOKES\, The Heritage Foundation\, U.S. \nDr. James BOUTILIER\, Special Advisor\, International Engagement\, Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters\, Canada \nDr. Anne Hsiu-An HSIAO\, Associate Research Fellow\, Division of American and European Studies\, Institute of International Relations\, National Chengchi University\, Taiwan \n\n16.30 II. THE FUTURE OF MARITIME TRADE\n\nSpecial remarks – Grzegorz WITKOWSKI\, Deputy Minister of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation\, Poland \nPanel discussion\, moderator: Assita Kanko\, MEP\, Vice-Chair of the ECR Group\, \nSpeakers: \nMagda KOPCZYNSKA\, Director for Waterborne Transport\, DG MOVE\, European Commission \nIsabelle RYCKBOST\, Secretary General\, the European Sea Ports Organisation \nMartin DORSMAN\, Secretary General\, European Community Shipowners’ Associations \nŁukasz GREINKE\, CEO Port of Gdansk Authority \nLevan AKHYLEDIANI\, CEO of the Anaklia Development Consortium \n\n17.45 Closing Remarks\n\nAnna FOTYGA\, MEP ECR\, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson \n\n18.30 Reception\n\nThe event will be followed by a concert and exhibition from 18:30 in the Yehudi Menuhin area of the European Parliament. To attend please RSVP HERE \nYou can also follow the Conference with the webstream.
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/maritime_security_and_the_blue_economy/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20191119T090000
DTEND:20191119T120000
DTSTAMP:20260929T221904Z
CREATED:20191105T081300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221904Z
UID:8417-1574154000-1574164800@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:Challenges for beekeeping in the EU - long term solutions
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday 19th November ECR Bulgarian MEP\, Andrey Slabakov\, will host an event titled ‘Challenges for beekeeping in the EU – long term solutions’.  \nHoneybee colonies play an essential part in the environment and in agriculture by making plant reproduction possible through pollination and with beekeepers supporting the rural economy. Beekeeping is present in all EU member states and the EU is the second most important honey producer in the world.  Visit our event and hear more about the challenges facing the sector. \nSpeakers: \n\nAndrey Slabakov (host)\, Member of the European Parliament\nMariya Gabriel\, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society\nJanusz Wojciechowski\, Commisioner-designate fo Agriculture\n\nAfter the event\, a cocktail reception will be hosted at 18:00 in the MEP Salon. \nFor further details please contact: andrey.slabakov@europarl.europa.eu
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/challenges_for_beekeeping_in_the_eu_long_term_solutions/
LOCATION:European Parliament
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191009
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191010
DTSTAMP:20260929T221908Z
CREATED:20191007T063200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221908Z
UID:8407-1570579200-1570665599@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:Bloggers and influencers vs. encyclopaedias
DESCRIPTION:Reception “Bloggers and influencers vs. encyclopaedias: Understanding the importance of expert-authored and verified information sources” \nWhen: Wednesday\, October 9 \nWhere: European Parliament\, JAN 3Q Cafe Antall (Brasserie) \nWhen: 18:00 – 21:00 \nHosted by our Latvian MEP Dace Melbārde and running from 18:00 – 21:00 the event will discuss: \n– Fulfilment of the obligation to enlighten the population: the role of encyclopaedias in spreading of knowledge to everyone\n – What role can expert-authored and verified online encyclopaedias play in the age of fake facts\, propaganda and commercial bloggers and influencers?\n – What are the current and future challenges for encyclopaedias? Understanding the financial\, technological and editorial aspects\n – What role could the European Union and the European Parliament play in strengthening the efforts currently undertaken by the national encyclopaedias?\n – Making of a national encyclopaedia: sharing the success stories and learning the lesson\n – What role can national encyclopaedias play in creating and maintaining positive national identities around Europe? \n The speakers include:\n – Dace Melbārde (host)\, Member of European Parliament\n – Erik Bolstad\, the Great Norwegian Encyclopaedia\n – Valters Ščerbinskis\, the Latvian National Encyclopaedia\n – Naja Bentzen\, European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS)\n – Ivars Ijabs\, Member of European Parliament \nFor further details contact: dace.melbarde@europarl.europa.eu
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/bloggers_and_influencers_vs-_encyclopaedias/
LOCATION:European Parliament
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20190905T140000
DTEND:20190905T173000
DTSTAMP:20260929T221909Z
CREATED:20190904T095500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221909Z
UID:8398-1567692000-1567704600@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:Financing Terrorism through trafficking of Cultural Goods – Closing the Gaps
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday 5th September ECR MEP Anna Fotyga will host an International Conference titled ‘Financing Terrorism through trafficking of Cultural Goods – Closing the Gaps’.  \nIn recent years the black market in works of art has become as lucrative as those for drugs\, weapons and counterfeit goods. This is due to the largely un-regulated and confidential nature of the market\, permitting a major rise in trafficking of cultural goods by terrorist groups and organized crime. This has forced both legislators and law enforcement to tackle these challenges by working together to close the gaps currently being exploited across the EU. Tomorrow’s conference will feature some of the leading personalities in the countering of cultural smuggling\, including Col. (Ret.) Matthew Bogdanos\, Assistant District Attorney of New York County and Mr. Gilles De Kerchove\, the EU’s Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. \n#StopLooting #StolenHeritage \nAGENDA \n\n13.45 – Registration \n\n\n14.00 – Welcome Remarks – Anna FOTYGA MEP ECR\, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson \n\n\n14.10 – KEYNOTE SPEECH ALL THE TOOLS IN THE TOOL BAG: FIGHTING THE ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF CULTURAL GOODS Col. (Ret.) Matthew BOGDANOS\, Assistant District Attorney of New York County \n\n\n 14.40 I. PANEL DISCUSSION: COUNTERING CULTURAL SMUGGLING & TERRORISM FINANCING – LEGISLATIVE SOLUTIONS \n\nGiven the lucrative nature of the art market\, frequent manipulation of ‘provenance’\, combined with deregulation\, free ports\, and strict confidentiality practices by auction houses and art dealers\, both the physical and digital art markets have been rife with exploitation by organized crime and terrorist groups throughout Europe. This has led the smuggling of cultural goods to expand in recent years while largely avoiding detection. Panellists will discuss the experiences gained from different institutions and nations to determine which best practices can be adopted at the EU and national levels to close the existing legal loopholes currently being exploited.  \nModerator – Anna FOTYGA \n\n14.45 Remarks \n\nMarek LEMIESZ\, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland\, Polish Committee of the Blue Shields\, Frmr Archaeological Expert Accredited to Polish Military Contingents in Iraq and Afghanistan  \nLucie LAMBRECHT\, Attorney at Law\, Art Heritage Expert Tess DAVIS Executive Director of the Antiquities Coalition  \nFlorian KREJSA Border Security and Management Unit\, Transnational Threats Department (TNTD)\, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) \n\n 15.15: Q&A Session \n\n\n15.30 Coffee Break \n\n\n15.45 SPECIAL REMARKS – THE TERRORIST THREAT AND THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE EU Mr. Gilles DE KERCHOVE\, Counter-Terrorism Coordinator of the European Union\n\n\n16.05 II. PANEL DISCUSSION COUNTERING CULTURAL SMUGGLING & TERRORISM FINANCING – LAW ENFORCEMENT SOLUTIONS \n\nFollowing the rise of ISIL and the subsequent looting of Iraq\, Syria and Libya’s cultural heritage\, several branches of national and international law enforcement have increased their cooperation to thwart smuggling of cultural goods and recover stolen artefacts. In July 2018\, Europol assisted Italy in recovering nearly €40 million Euro worth of archaeological goods while Interpol\, World Customs Organization and various national agencies have cooperatively launched successful search and seizure operations in the last two years that have resulted in 41 000 pieces of cultural property being seized and dozens of arrests. Panelists will analyze the existing security measures in place for both national and international law enforcement agencies to determine what political\, financial and operational dimensions are needed in order to successfully counter cultural smuggling in both the physical and digital markets in Europe.  \nModerator Mr. Geoffrey VAN ORDEN \, MEP ECR\, Defence & Security Spokesperson \n\n16.10 Remarks \n\nMariya POLNER\, Senior Policy Advisor\, Enforcement and Compliance\, World Customs Organization \nJan Joris VISSER\, Expert in World Art\, Dorotheum Tribal Art Vienna  \nSaad AMRANI\, Chief Commissioner at the Brussels Police Department and Strategic Advisor to the Commissioner General of the Federal Police of Belgium \nCorinne CHARTRELLE\, Deputy Head of the Specialized ’Art Crime’ Unit of the Republic of France \n\n17.00 Q & A Session \n\n\n17.25 Closing Remarks – Anna FOTYGA\, MEP ECR\, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/financing_terrorism_through_trafficking_of_cultural_goods_closing_the_gaps/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190219
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190220
DTSTAMP:20260929T221911Z
CREATED:20190128T073700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221911Z
UID:8345-1550534400-1550620799@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:The Europe - Muslim World Democracy Forum
DESCRIPTION:As a number of Muslim majority states make the democratic transition\, there is a need for increased political\, economic and civic engagement with other nations around the world\, including in Europe. Facing significant regional and global challenges\, it is necessary for nations to work together\, strengthening shared values\, and building lasting relationships as a catalyst for future action. Now more than ever\, it is necessary for democracies to come together and discuss their shared values and mutual interests in order to strengthen the democratic order and to promote democracy and stability in the face of the resurgence of authoritarianism and to overcome the tension and polarization between the Muslim World and Western nations. \nKey to this is the international community working together to establish and maintain effective market-based economies based on the rule of law\, which maintain the support of the voting population whilst appealing to the younger generation. It is therefore\, necessary for politicians\, academics\, and communities to work together to show how freedom and prosperity can be delivered through a cooperative global network of democracies. \nProgramme: \n08.00: Accreditation open for external participants \n08.30: Registration open for all participants \n  \n09.00 – 09:15: Opening remarks \n\nWelcome remarks by Syed Kamall MEP\n\n09.15 – 10.30: Democracies in the Muslim World: a) Interpretations of Islam and b) Institution-building and Reform \n  \nModerator: Syed Kamall MEP  \nMillions of the world’s 1.4 billion Muslims live in democracies\, ample proof that there is no inherent discord between the two ideas. However\, Islam can be interpreted in different ways\, and some interpretations conflict with democratic ideals. Nevertheless\, the Koran contains a number of ideas that support democratic ideals such as the principle of consensus and the consultative decision making. Do these principles have political applications? This roundtable will look at how different interpretations of Islam can have an influence on the democratic process in different countries. In a society\, the degree of political separation between religion and the civil state is determined by the legal structures and prevalent legal views. Each country organizes the relationship between the civil state and religion differently. This roundtable will also look at how the relation between the civil state and Islam is organized and changes over time taking into account the transition to a parliamentary democracy. The discussion will handle questions such as what the benefits of the separation between the State and Islam are in democratic terms.  \n 10.30 – 11.45: Liberal democracy and minority rights: the role of education\, religion and cultural rapprochement\n \n Under the impact of political Islam\, suspicion of non-Muslims has re-emerged. We witness that people are attacked\, and even murdered\, for their belief and religion. At the other end of the spectrum\, Muslim intellectuals are seeking for ways to legitimize full legal and political equality of Muslims and non-Muslims in Islamic terms. Nevertheless\, in different countries with a majority of Muslims\, we see the population of (religious) minorities declining. This discussion will reflect upon the evolution that is made concerning minority rights and religious freedom\, the role of education\, religion and cultural rapprochement; and the effect hereof on the development of a liberal democracy. \n11.45 – 12.00: Key note speech\n  \n12.00 – 13.30 Lunch Break \n13.30-14.45: Emerging markets in the Muslim world: investment\, trade and international development   \nAccording to the World Economic Forum\, almost a quarter of the world is Muslim. The 1.6 billion people contribute 16% of the global GDP\, with a 6% annual growth rate. By 2020\, the Islamic finance industry is projected to reach $3 trillion in total assets\, with one billion users. Globalization\, technology and economic necessity have created favourable conditions for emerging markets in the Muslim world. This roundtable will discuss the ambitions of the emerging markets in the Muslim world to expand and cooperate with their European counterparts. On the other hand\, the discussion will handle the influence of the emerging markets\, new technologies\, digital connectivity and innovation on the democratic process. \n 14:45 – 15:00 Key note speech \n15.00 – 16.00: Stability\, security cooperation\, peace building and conflict resolution \nWhile the Arab Spring in Tunisia led to improvements\, not all of the nations that witnessed such social and political upheaval changed for the better. Most notably\, Libya\, Egypt\, Yemen and Syria are still suffering from the consequences of the uprising. In several countries\, extremist groups took advantage and filled the political vacuum. Therefore\, there is a strong need for the international community to work together towards conflict resolution and peace building\, towards security and stability. This roundtable will look at the role of different approaches\, most notably the approach of democracy building as a sustainable manner to resolve insecurity situations.  \n16.00-17:00: Improving social integration by investing in human capital and education\, and in the enormous potential of youth and women entrepreneurship \nMuslims are younger than the global average\, with a median age of 23 rather than 28 – a result of the Muslim World’s own ‘baby boom’. Young Muslims are now the most educated in their countries’ histories\, holding new attitudes and using new technologies. Traditionally the minority in education\, women are coming out ahead of men today. This roundtable will discuss related challenges such as creating supportive policies and an inclusive entrepreneurship-friendly environment. \n17.00 – 17:45 The future relationship between Europe and Muslim democracies \nModerator: Syed Kamall (MEP)  \nThe discussion at this panel will reflect upon the lessons from the conference and consider ways to strengthen and deepen cooperation. Key to this conference has been to consider ways in which the international community can work together to strengthen the democratic and economic order to promote stability in the face of a resurgence of authoritarianism. This panel will therefore discuss how politicians\, academics\, and communities can work together to pursue an on-going and constructive dialogue for the future of the Muslim world and its relationship with Europe. It will demonstrate that real freedom and prosperity is delivered through a cooperative global network of democracies. \n 17:45-18:00 Closing remarks by Syed Kamall MEP.
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/ecremdemocracy/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190206
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190207
DTSTAMP:20260929T221914Z
CREATED:20190121T080300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221914Z
UID:8337-1549411200-1549497599@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:European Defence Cooperation Conference
DESCRIPTION:This conference will address the current intentions of the European Commission with respect to defence (materiel) cooperation. Are these plans effective to reach the goal of improved cooperation\, a more effective defence industry and better involvement of SMEs throughout the Union? What could be negative effects of these policies and how could these be mitigated. Result of the roundtable will be a set of recommendations to the European Commission and the European Parliament to support or amend the Policies. \n \nThe conference is hosted by Marek Jurek MEP. \nWith the participation of: \n\nVice-Admiral RNLN Dr. Ir. Arie-Jan de Waard – Director Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO)\, The Netherlands\nProf. Dr. Julian Lindley-French – a leading advisor\, strategist\, and author on foreign- and military affairs\, United Kingdom \nAntoni Pieńkos Ph.D. – director of the analysis division at the Warsaw Institute of Strategic Initiatives\, Poland\n\nRegistration until 28.01.2019 via marek.jurek-office@europarl.europa.eu \nposter
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/european_defence_cooperation/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190109
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190110
DTSTAMP:20260929T221916Z
CREATED:20181206T071300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T221916Z
UID:8302-1546992000-1547078399@ecrgroup.eu
SUMMARY:Africa Summit 2019
DESCRIPTION:Africa is a continent experiencing a renaissance in terms of economic growth\, inward investment\, the emergence of widespread entrepreneurialism\, demographic changes\, inward and foreign investment\, and the development of tech companies. This Summit is intended to expand upon already existing areas of cooperation\, and delve deeper into key challenges and opportunities in order to strengthen the EU’s collaborative and effective regional partnership with African nations. \nThis Summit will be an opportunity to exchange best practice between the EU and African nations in key areas\, such as democracy\, security\, economy\, health related issues\, emergent technologies\, the use of development aid\, and developing a future relationship on trade cooperation. This Summit brings together key politicians\, commentators\, organisations\, and experts to discuss these important issues. \n08.00: Accreditation open for external participants \n08.30: Registration open for all participants (JAN 6Q2)  \n09.00 – 09.30 \n\nWelcome remarks by Syed Kamall\, ECR Group Co-Chairman \nWelcome remarks by Antonio Tajani\, President of the European Parliament \n\n09.30 – 10.30: Panel I – Africa and emerging technology \nThe growth of mobile phone networks\, greater access to the internet\, and the growth of tech start-up companies in Africa has paved the way for a tech-focused economy of the future. Many global companies such as Facebook and Google are investing in African nations and projects. In May 2017\, the European Commission presented its ‘Digital4Development’ strategy\, which aims to contribute to the realisation of the objectives in the UN Millennium Development Goals by mainstreaming digital solutions and technologies in EU development policy. This panel will look at how African nations\, the EU\, and its Member States can use technology in the coming decades\, and what the consequences of this are for jobs\, the economy and society as a whole. \n\nIsabel Dos Santos\, Chairwoman of Unitel\, Angola\nJamil Ahmad\, Director of the United Nations Environment Program\nDr Wojtek Wilk\, CEO\, Polish Centre for International Aid\nSyed Kamall. Co-Chairman of the ECR Group\n\n10.30 – 11.30: Panel II – European support for African Peace and Security Initiatives \nPeace and security threats can vary in terms of ideology\, the intended and/or real consequences of their actions\, or whether their impact occurs on a local\, national\, regional\, international level or on a combination of different levels. A proper examination and interpretation of the threat and the subsequent response is therefore crucial in fighting threats from insurgents\, as well as from state actors. Some of the challenges are not exclusive to the affected nations but also key to the EU’s internal and external strategy. In this respect\, the EU\, different Member States\, together with other actors\, are panel will look at how the EU and its Member States and the AU and its Member States can better cooperate to find solutions for these mutual security challenges. \n\nIbrahim Sani Abani\, Secretary-General of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States\nPatrice Kouame Kouassi\, Deputy in the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire\, Committee on Security and Defence\nJoshua Meservey\, senior policy analyst\, Africa & Middle East\, the Heritage Foundation\nProfessor Zdzisław Krasnodębski\, Vice-President of the European Parliament\n\n11.30 – 12.30: Panel III – Democracy building and good governance in the 21st century \nAfrica is a continent experiencing an overall positive trend in regard to democratic changes. In numerous countries\, a peaceful change of power has taken place. Different African countries\, which experienced war in the past\, were able to change the political scene in the process towards a democratic society. Nevertheless\, democracy in Africa is facing several challenges. One of the key issues facing democracies around the world is how we can ensure that national sovereign government representation is diverse; and that elections are free and fair taking into account the rule of law\, transparency\, accountability\, human rights\, rights of minorities and the demographic dividend. This panel will be a unique opportunity to hear from publishers\, journalists and campaigners speak about. \n\nAdebola Williams\, Co-Founder and CEO of RED Media Africa and StateCraft Inc.\nAleksandra Gadzala\, senior fellow\, Africa Center\, Atlantic Council\nProfessor Nicholas Cheeseman\, Democracy and International Development\, University of Birmingham\nMark Demesmaeker\, Member of the European Parliament\n\n13.00 – 14.30: Lunch Break \n14.30 – 15.30: Panel IV – Health trends in Africa  \nInvestment in Africa’s health systems is key to inclusive and sustainable growth. Strong economic growth in recent years has helped reduce poverty to 43 percent of the population\, but now growth is slowing. Many countries still contend with high levels of child and maternal mortality\, malnutrition is far too common\, and most health systems are not able to deal effectively with epidemics and the growing burden of chronic diseases\, such as diabetes. These challenges call for renewed commitments and accelerated progress towards addressing health trends and challenges. This panel will look at how access to essential basic medicines can be increased in some African nations\, and what role government should play in addressing these health trends and challenges. \n\nMinister Beata Kempa\, Minister for Humanitarian Aid\, Poland\nNuria Molina\, senior program officer\, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation\nSelorm Branttie\, Global Strategist\, mPedigree\nCommissioner Christos Stylianides\, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management (video message)\nEleni Theocharous\, Member of the European Parliament\n\n15.30 – 16.30: Panel V – Building businesses and infrastructure \nThe African continent is facing the fastest growth of population in the world. This provides an enormous challenge with regard to transport\, housing\, jobs\, services and sanitation. In order for African nations to be able to meet these challenges\, there is a need to provide the right regulatory framework for businesses and infrastructure to grow. Some of the key initiatives of the last 5 years in the EU has been the EU Trust Fund and the EU External Investment Plan. The EU External Investment Plan mobilised 44 billion Euros of investment\, to make the important link between private enterprise and public money for building long-term sustainable economic growth. This panel will look at how the EU\, its Member States and African nations can work together to put the right framework in place. \n\nHonourable Minister Samuel D. Tweah\, Minister of Finance and Development and Planning\, Liberia\nFormer Minister Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan\, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications\, Pakistan\nDoctor Anna Masłon-Oracz\, Economist\, Warsaw School of Economics\nArne Gericke\, Member of the European Parliament\n\n16.30 – 17.30: Panel VI – Economic growth in African Nations  \nMany African nations are experiencing economic growth on an unprecedented scale. Ethiopia\, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana were amongst the fastest growing economies in the world in 2017. Issues such as investing\, lending\, and increasing growth and banking capital are high on the political agenda in African nations. This panel will look at how EU investment political engagement can help create capital growth\, and increase the living wage\, competitiveness and international trade across Africa. The panel will look at the success stories of some African nations and see how they can be replicated across the entire continent. The panel will also look at what the EU can learn from Africa in its own pursuit for economic growth\, prosperity and increased employment for citizens. \n\nMinister Mthuli Ncube\, Minister of Finance and Economic Development\, Zimbabwe\nJean-Louis Billon\, businessman and former Minister of Trade\, Côte d’Ivoire\nKoffi Tutu Agyare\, CEO\, Nubuke Investment LLP\nRt. Honourable Mark Simmonds\, Former Minister for Africa\, and UK overseas territories\, UK\nEmma McClarkin\, Member of the European Parliament\n\n17.30 – 17.45: Closing remarks \n\nClosing remarks by Jan Zahradil\, ECR Member of the European Parliament\n\n17.45 – 18.30: Closing Cocktail Reception
URL:https://ecrgroup.eu/event/africasummit2019/
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