The Cost of Non-Europe

Date: |
October 31, 2014 |
Time: |
6:30 - 8 p.m. |
Location: |
St Catharine's College |
Programme
In the wake of the economic and Euro crisis, the economic benefits of European integration are questioned in the public debate. Are there still further benefits from more economic integration? Are we willing to trade existing controls at national level for potential economic gain and what does this mean for national identity?
With ‘Identity’ the theme of this year’s Festival of Ideas at the University of Cambridge, RAND Europe sponsored a panel discussion entitled The Cost of non-Europe on what benefits Europe stands to gain from closer integration. Marco Hafner of RAND Europe discussed the economic benefits of free movement of goods, while Dr Niki Katsaouni addressed European integration through arts and culture. Baroness Julie Smith concluded with benefits brought about through closer security and political ties. Hans Pung, President of RAND Europe, welcomed guests to a reception following the discussion and stressed that evidence and objectivity is required to inform debate on these highly charged issues.
Featured Speakers
Marco Hafner
Analyst, RAND Europe
Julie Smith
Baroness Smith of Newnham, Director of the European Centre at POLIS, University of Cambridge
Niki Katsaouni
Cultural theorist and former Cultural Counsellor at The High Commission of Cyprus in the UK