17 January 2009

Russia is the European Union’s largest neighbour. Relations between Russia and the EU have become a fundamental aspect for the stability of Europe as a whole, as well as being one of the key bilateral relations in terms of world governance. From energy security to shared neighbourhood areas such as the Black Sea and the Caucasus, the interdependence between the EU and Russia has generated mutual tensions and fears. Following this summer’s events in Georgia, a direct dialogue is being imposed, and a reflection on the future of this global relationship.

The Seminar War and Peace in the 21st Century, which has been held at the beginning of every year since 2001, under the auspices of the Mayor of Barcelona, will this year be focusing on this issue, and will feature the presence (now habitual at this seminar) of Javier Solana, Secretary General of the Council and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, as well as of Russian and European experts and politicians. The seminar will feature the following participants, who have confirmed their attendance: Anatoly Chubais, Director General of Rusnano (Russian nanotechnology corporation) and ex-Deputy Prime Minister of Russia; Giuliano Amato, ex-Prime Minister of Italy; Irina Kobrinskaya, researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), Moscow; Aleksander Kwasniewski, ex-President of Poland, and Ivan Krastev, Director of the Centre for Liberal Strategies, Sofia.

For more information:

Download full program  (pdf 53kB)