Brussels, February 23, 2024 - With the European Parliament Election on the horizon, the Brussels International Center (BIC) hosted an exclusive roundtable breakfast on February 22nd. A select group of Brussels-based experts gathered to reimagine politics in anticipation of the EU elections.
The event started with an engaging introduction delivered by Fernando Aguiar, BIC’s Advisor on EU Foreign Affairs. Fernando Aguiar provided comprehensive insights into the primary hot topics dominating discussions leading up to the EU elections, such as the implementation of the EU Green Deal, the need for a renewed, more humane approach to migration, and approaches to conflict resolution in the Middle East.
"In the current geopolitical landscape, the European Union faces unprecedented challenges that demand strategic foresight and decisive action in the next mandate. From navigating complex international relations to addressing pressing global issues, the EU must remain steadfast in its commitment to fostering unity and resilience," remarked Fernando Aguiar, encapsulating the urgency of the moment and the critical tasks ahead for European leaders.
Maria Fabricius, BIC's Communication Advisor, took the floor next, offering a detailed analysis of the contemporary political landscape and its direct implications for the European Union. Maria emphasized, "Our discussion today sheds light on the critical intersections between politics, policy, and public perception, guiding us toward informed decision-making and effective communication strategies."
During the session, Yasmine Akrimi, BIC's North Africa Analyst, provided a succinct yet detailed presentation. She covered critical topics including migration trends, the situation in Gaza, and climate-related concerns in the region, drawing from her recent field work in the South of Tunisia.
Focused on envisioning success for the next EU mandate (2024-2029), the discussion tackled critical priorities for European leaders. Key topics included effective foreign policy, the future of climate action, and the preservation of democracy.
The event aimed to emphasize the importance of cross-sector collaborations in addressing these pressing issues. The intimate and informal setting of the roundtable encouraged open dialogue and meaningful connections among participants. Attendees exchanged insights, proposed potential solutions, and collaboratively contributed to discussions on the future trajectory of the European Union.
"We were thrilled to facilitate this dynamic exchange of ideas among Brussels-based experts," said Ambassador Marc Otte, BIC’s President. "As we approached the EU elections, it was crucial to engage in constructive dialogue and explore innovative approaches to address the challenges facing Europe."
The roundtable breakfast aligned with BIC's mission to foster collaboration and promote informed discussions on global issues. By bringing together diverse perspectives from various sectors, the event aimed to contribute to shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for the European Union.