The European Union Post-Brexit: Challenges and Opportunities

A Discussion with Dr. Wendelin Ettmayer (Former Austrian Ambassador to Finland, Canada, and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg)

October 12, 4:00-5:30 pm, Hotel A, Conference Room of the Center for Global Inquiry and Innovation

The history of European integration since the Second World War is truly remarkable: Western Europe enjoyed two generations of peace and prosperity – an unprecedented achievement in 2,000 years of European history. With the establishment of the Council of Europe in 1949, the protection of Human Rights, pluralistic democracy and the rule of law became generally recognized principles. Old, hereditary enemies have become friends; centuries of confrontation were replaced by cooperation. What, then, accounts for the explosive rise of ultra-national parties, political disunity with respect to refugee absorption, and populist break-away decisions such as Brexit? Is the European Union going to survive? And, if yes, in what form? Ambassador Ettmayer will address these questions from historical and diplomatic perspectives, discussing their implications for the future of the European Union.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Manuela Achilles, ma6cq@virginia.edu.