12/10/2018 Secretary General speaks on European Leadership
CoR Secretary General Jiri Burianek participated on 12
October in a panel discussion on "Global Competition - Will European
Leadership concepts be able to endure?" at the #rethinkeurope Conference
in Passau, Germany. While the Secretary General of the European Parliament
Klaus Welle presented the position of Europe in the global strategic context
highlighting that Europe is surrounded by areas of potential and real
conflicts, the Secretary General of the European External Action Service Helga
Schmidt emphasized to role of the European Union in peace processes all around
the world.
Mr Burianek highlighted that against the background of
global challenges like migration and climate change, there is a need to forge
European alliances based on the common interest of problem solving instead of
discussing former principles like migration quotas. In respect to the
communication to citizens Mr Burianek underlined the role of the elected local
and regional politicians /CoR members who benefit highest trust in the European
Union, and are thus instrumental in ensuring an effective dialogue with
the citizens.
#rethinkeurope took place under the patronage of
European Parliament's President Antonio Tajani and EPP Group chief at the
European Parliament Manfred Weber. This 2 day conference considers the
development of Europe within its borders and in the context of global
changes and provides a platform for constructive exchange between the European
economy and politics.