Center for European Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Oslo, ARENA and The Delegation of the European Commission to Norway and Iceland

would like to invite you to the

Schuman Lecture 2002

 Monday 6 May at 1300 - 1430 p.m.
Universitetets Aula, Karl Johans gate  47

THE CONSTITUTIONAL FUTURE OF EUROPE IN A GLOBALISED WORLD  

by Elmar Brok

Mr. ELMAR BROK is chairing the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy in the European Parliament, and member of the Convention on the Future of Europe

The EU is undergoing important changes. More than a dozen new countries will join the Union within a few years, which represents many challenges and opportunities. Parallel to this, a Convention, where representatives from member countries, future member countries, the European Parliament and the European Commission, are preparing proposals for the future EU.

All this in the midst of a rapidly changing global environment. The fight against terrorism and the crisis in the Middle East are some of the elements that require the EU to handle foreign and security issues in a new and coordinated manner to ensure its voice being heard.

The EU is taking important strategic decisions and the on-going processes will have consequences beyond the EU.

As chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy, Elmar BROK is at the moment one of the most prominent members of the European Parliament. He is also leader of the European People Party's delegation to the Convention on the future of Europe. Mr. BROK was the European Parliament's representative in the negotiations on the Amsterdam and Nice Treaties.