European Union and Its Neighbours

At a time when the future of European Union is under debate, the EU is central to our conferences; the consequences of the referenda votes, the future of enlargement, the new EU-25, economic reform, the EU Constitution, the EU budget, neighbourhood policies, agricultural and regional policies, immigration, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and also the EU's Western Balkans strategy are among the many EU policy issues under scrutiny.

European Union Conferences at Wilton Park

In a fast-moving world, Wilton Park's conferences provide an opportunity for people of influence from within and outside government to share experience on the best ways of dealing with major international and domestic policies.

Forthcoming Conferences

COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY IN THE OBAMA ERA: WHAT CAN EUROPE EXPECT; WHAT CAN IT OFFER?
WP956 - Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 February 2009

How might the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and external action service might evolve? As soft and hard power distinctions blur, how can internal co-ordination and relations with external actors be improved? How is the Georgia crisis impacting on relations with Russia and the EU’s neighbours? How to promote the EU and its values? How to secure greater public engagement? PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATES - Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 February 2009
Location: Wilton Park

RESPONSES TO THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS: HOW CAN GROWTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION BE RESTORED?
WP964 - Monday 16 - Wednesday 18 March 2009

As the Lisbon process nears its tenth anniversary, what kind of regime will replace the 'open coordination' method on economic reform? How can Europe remain competitive in the global economy whilst at the same time ensuring social solidarity and promoting green growth? How can the recommendations of the Spring 2009 Council be best taken forward? How can national efforts be made more effective? What is an appropriate balance between progressing economic reform at the Member State and Community levels?
Location: Germany

PROSPECTS FOR EU ENLARGEMENT IN THE WEST BALKANS
WP972 - Tuesday, 28 April - Friday 01 May 2009

What are the prospects for extending membership of the European Union (EU) to the West Balkans? Can enlargement ‘fatigue’ and public scepticism within the EU be overcome? What obstacles to Croatia’s accession remain? How can juridical, economic and budgetary issues be resolved? What are the prospects for other accessions, in particular by Serbia? How would the EU and its policies be affected by enlargement to the West Balkans?
Location: Croatia

THE SOUTH CAUCASUS AND WIDER BLACK SEA NEIGHBOURHOOD: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND PROSPECTS FOR EURO-ATLANTIC INTEGRATION
WP995 - Monday, 28 September - Thursday, 01 October 2009

How are the European Union (EU) and NATO responding to the growing geo-strategic importance of the South Caucasus and Central Asia? How are the countries of the South Caucasus contributing to EU energy security? How are EU neighbourhood and NATO action plans being implemented and where is further progress needed? What are the key political and governance issues in the region? How are conflicts in the region being addressed? What are the prospects for resolution?
Location: Azerbaijan

THE COMMON AGRICULTURE POLICY: HOW 'COMMON' CAN IT REMAIN?
WP1004 - Monday 9 - Thursday 12 November 2009

How will the issues of food security and safety, energy security, the use of land for biofuels, and concern for environmental issues shape the future direction of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) after the 2008 Health Check review? What longer-term impact will the review’s outcomes have on the agricultural industry, environment and rural development? How ‘common’ can the CAP remain in an EU of 27 member states?

THE FUTURE OF KOSOVO: EVOLVING ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SECURITY CHALLENGES
WP1007 - Monday 30 November - Wednesday 2 December 2009

What are the prospects for economic development in Kosovo? How can national actors and external donors best facilitate development? Can Belgrade and Pristina work together to improve the lives of the Serbian community in Kosovo, and if so how? How is the pull of EU integration influencing relations between Serbia and Kosovo as well as broader regional dynamics? Does Kosovo independence set a precedent for analogous situations in other regions?
Location: Wilton Park