What if we could Rebuild the EU?

There are scenarios that could lead to the break-up of the EU. Polls show that the EU is not very popular in many countries. Upcoming elections in several EU countries and informed opinion suggests that disintegration cannot be ruled out. It was formed in a very different era and with the emergence of globalisation and digital technologies, it is no longer fit for purpose. Its economic and social outcomes anyway leave much to be desired. Should our focus now be on creating a brand new EU rather than worrying about soft and hard versions of BREXIT?

If we started again what would a restructured and reformed EU look like?

What would be the type and level of integration? Should the four fundamental Freedoms be questioned? Is a multi-tier membership structure appropriate to deal with the disparate economies in the Union? Is a common currency essential? Should integration be limited to purely economic?

Should degrees of border control be considered? Should trade with Russia be brought into play? How can transparency be radically improved? Is there a way the peoples of Europe can be made to feel really European? How can operations be streamlined, for example to facilitate trade negotiations? Should the role of MEPs be redefined?

In this unique and controversial discussion event Lucy Anderson, London Labour MEP, and Professor Keith Pilbeam, an expert in international economics, will address these huge questions head-on. Come along and be part of it!

Lucy Anderson is a London Labour MEP. She took office in July 2014, and is spokesperson for the European Parliamentary Labour Party on transport and tourism. Her background is as a lawyer and policy campaigner, and her areas of expertise include transport, employment rights and equality law, and health. Lucy has been a Labour Party member, trade union activist and school governor in London for many years, and was a Labour Councillor for the London Borough of Camden from 2002-2006. She has held senior positions in the National Union of Teachers, the Greater London Authority and the Trades Union Congress, where she worked on the implementation of European Union directives.

Keith Pilbeam is a Professor of International Economics and Finance at City, University of London, and at the Cass Business School. He has worked for NatWest Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland and consults for a number of city financial institutions. He is President of the International Economics and Finance Society (www.iefs.org.uk) and also Secretary General to the European Economics and Finance Society (www.eefs-eu.org). He is co-editor of the Journal of Economic Asymmetries. His research interests lie in the field of International Economics and Finance and he has published widely in well-known Economics and Finance Journals. He is the author of three well known books; Exchange Rate Management Theory and Evidence, International Finance and Finance and Financial Markets all with Palgrave Macmillan. He also runs the highly rated website www.BusinessEconomics.com.

Doors 10.30. Entry £3, £2 concs./free to Conway Hall Ethical Society members.

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.