Posted on 17 October 2011
On 6 October, the Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and President of the European Parliament ret. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, MEP inaugurates the newly established Debating Europe discussion series.
At 11.15, Dr. Pöttering delivers a Lecture in the Theatre of the Badia Fiesolana on "Stationen Europäischer Politik. Das Europäische Parlament als Motor der Europäischen Einigung" ("Marks in European Politics. The European Parliament as an engine of the European integration process"). In addition, he focuses on current challenges of the integration process from a German perspective. The lecture is introduced by President Josep Borrell and Professor Adrienne Heritier serves as moderator. The Lecture is in German with simultaneous translation in english. The following Q&A session is in English.
The Lecture is held in the framework of the visit of Dr. Pöttering to the European University Institute, and it is also an occasion for a meeting with the academic and the German community of the EUI.
Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering studied law, political science and history in Bonn, Geneva and New York and he is a member of the conservative German CDU (Christian Democratic Union). He served as President of the European Parliament from January 2007 to July 2009 and he is a continuous member of the European Parliament since the first elections in 1979 (which makes him its longest-serving member). Dr. Pöttering was Chairman of the EPP-ED (European People’s Party) from 1999 to 2007 and was elected as Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in December 2009.
Debating Europe is a new pillar of the EUI’s activities, focused on debating the process of European integration and the major issues confronting contemporary European society. In line with the Convention setting up the EUI, this programme is a primary platform for the exchange and discussion of ideas and experiences. Debating Europe is conceptualised as a high-level initiative that reflects on – and impacts – the European policy debate, and that enables the EUI to contribute to this debate.
The Lecture is live streamed.
