Friends Of Europe Podcasts

Our Policy Summit took a look at topical issues related to private investment in fragile states. Speakers included Nena Stoiljkovic (IFC), Viwanou Gnassounou (ACP), Harald Hirschhofer (TCX) and Roberto Ridolfi (DG DEVCO). Shada Islam was the moderator.

We held a conversation with the European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn on 8 December 2016 in Brussels. Moderated by Giles Merritt, Founder and Chairman of Friends of Europe The conversation started with a special sevdah concert performed by Damir Imamovic.

The EU has pledged to continue membership negotiations with countries in the Western Balkans. But the region faces many challenges, including lack of progress in restructuring the economic model to ensure that all countries are functioning market economies driven by export and investments rather than import and consumption. Improving connectivity in the Western Balkans is also a key factor, not only in boosting economic growth and fostering job opportunities for youth but also in forging better neighbourly relations with the EU, despite the perils of radicalisation. Is the long road to membership a vision or a reality? With some of the Balkans’ top politicians and decision-makers in attendance, we debated ways of further re-energising the region’s myriad connections with the EU at a 'European Policy Summit' event on 7 December 2016 in Brussels. SESSION II - Attracting business and investments by boosting regional connectivity Increased connectivity, especially in the transport and energy sectors, will help

The EU has pledged to continue membership negotiations with countries in the Western Balkans. But the region faces many challenges, including lack of progress in restructuring the economic model to ensure that all countries are functioning market economies driven by export and investments rather than import and consumption. Improving connectivity in the Western Balkans is also a key factor, not only in boosting economic growth and fostering job opportunities for youth but also in forging better neighbourly relations with the EU, despite the perils of radicalisation. Is the long road to membership a vision or a reality? With some of the Balkans’ top politicians and decision-makers in attendance, we debated ways of further re-energising the region’s myriad connections with the EU at a 'European Policy Summit' event on 7 December 2016 in Brussels. SESSION III - Migration, youth, jobs and the perils of radicalisation The flow of refugees and migrants through the so-called “Balkans route” may have eased in recen

The EU has pledged to continue membership negotiations with countries in the Western Balkans. But the region faces many challenges, including lack of progress in restructuring the economic model to ensure that all countries are functioning market economies driven by export and investments rather than import and consumption. Improving connectivity in the Western Balkans is also a key factor, not only in boosting economic growth and fostering job opportunities for youth but also in forging better neighbourly relations with the EU, despite the perils of radicalisation. Is the long road to membership a vision or a reality? With some of the Balkans’ top politicians and decision-makers in attendance, we debated ways of further re-energising the region’s myriad connections with the EU at a 'European Policy Summit' event on 7 December 2016 in Brussels. SESSION I - EU membership: the long road from vision to reality European Union leaders have pledged to continue membership negotiations with countries in the Western

Dr Kirsty Hughes, Senior Fellow at Friends of Europe, was interviewed on BBC Radio Scotland on 30 November 2016 about her new report for Friends of Europe, 'Scotland’s choice: Brexit with the UK, independence, or a special deal?'. The report is available at http://www.friendsofeurope.org/future-europe/scotlands-choice-brexit-uk-independence-special-deal/

What will be the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution? Through a series of events, articles and working group meetings, Friends of Europe is bringing together stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic. Their aim is to debate and propose a set of policy measures, incentives and approaches that would help Europe to be better prepared and ready to maximise the potential of the 4th Industrial Revolution – as well as provide the stimulus for greater transatlantic cooperation. Can Europe embrace the changes wrought by the 4th Industrial Revolution? How can transatlantic cooperation help Europe compete and contribute effectively in a rapidly changing global digital landscape? To launch this initiative, we held a conversation with the European Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, Andrus Ansip on 28 November 2016 in Brussels. We discussed the opportunities and the obstacles Europe is encountering as the 4th Industrial Revolution takes hold, with a focus on current issues such as data-shari

The recent outcome of the American elections has the potential to affect the global context for world energy, yet the momentum post COP21 and Marrakech suggests a turning point and consensus on tackling climate change. But will market dynamics change for oil, natural gas and coal, or is the slump in prices for some fuels a new normal? Will this provide a greater impetus for renewable technologies and greater energy efficiency? Will market dynamics change for oil, natural gas and coal or might the slump in prices for some fuels be here to stay? Can renewables continue to rise amid fierce competition from fossil fuels and other low-carbon options? What policies and measures are necessary to support stable long-term investment beyond 2020? What challenges remain for integrating renewable power into the electricity market and what are the prospects for renewables playing a greater role in heating and cooling? And how can governments address the impact of local pollution, often energy-related, on air quality, and