The European Day 2018: The future of EU: Czechia in the core or on the periphery of Europe?, 19.4.

The future of EU: Czechia in the core or on the periphery of Europe?

Date: 19.4. 2018 Venue: University of Economics, Prague

Working language: English/Czech (simultaneous translation will be provided)

9:00 Opening

Josef Taušer, Dean, Faculty of International Relations, University of Economics, Prague

Matthias Barner, Director of KAS CR and Slovakia

Jarolím Antal, Director of the Centre for European Studies, University of Economics, Prague

9:15 – 10:45
The future of European Union from the perspective of its members

• What vision for the EU do the member states offer?
• What future for the EU is real and what is unrealistic?
• Do we need to look for a way how to pursue a deeper integration or is there more will to pursue less integration with more tangible results?
• What future has the EU in the context of the current developments and challenges (Brexit, populism, division West / East)?

Jan Král, Head of EU Policies Coordination Dept., Office of the Government of Czech Republic

Olaf Wientzek, EU Policies Coordinator, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Yann-Sven Rittelmeyer, Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre, Brussels

Moderated by: Silvie Lauder, Respect weekly newsmagazine

11:15 – 12:30
Central Europe in the EU – more coordination or confrontation?

• How does Central European countries perceive the regional cooperation within the EU?
• Does the V4 offer an alternative in addressing hot issues that the EU is facing?
• Is there a common vision for the EU in the region?

Tomáš Strážay, Slovak Foreign Policy Association

Ágnes Vass, International Relations Manager, EU-V4 Office, Antall József Knowledge Centre, Budapest

Vít Dostál, AMO

Moderated by: Michala Hergetová, Czech TV

12:30 – 13:15 LUNCH

13:30 – 15:00
Active Czech Republic in Europe: What can the Czech Republic offer the EU?

• To what extent is the potential for active promotion of Czech interests at European level really being used?
• On what topics does the Czech Republic play a significant role and what are the success stories?
• What coalitions/partnerships does the Czech Republic use in promoting its interests?

Aleš Chmelař, State Secretary for European Affairs, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic

Karolína Kottová, Head of Political Section, Representation of the European Commission in Czech Republic

Marek Mora, Member of Board, Czech National Bank

Moderated by: Ondřej Houska, Hospodářské noviny daily

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