BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Connexion - login - ECPv6.15.8//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.formermembers.eu
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Connexion - login
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/Brussels
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20130331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20131027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20140330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20141026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20150329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20151025T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20160327T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20161030T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20170326T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20171029T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20180325T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20181028T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20190331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20191027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20200329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20201025T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20210328T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20211031T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20220327T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20221030T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20230326T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20231029T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251209T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20251209T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20250617T072339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T083704Z
UID:30388-1765301400-1765312200@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2025 Annual Cocktail Reception and Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]On 9 December 2025\, from 18:30 to 21:30\, the FMA hosted its Annual Cocktail Reception and Annual Dinner at the European Parliament in Brussels.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””] \nThe Annual Dinner\, preceded by the Annual Cocktail Reception\, included a keynote from our Guest of Honour\, Pat Cox\, Former EP and FMA President\, alongside a speech by Guest Speaker Werner Schmitt\, President of the Ukraine Culture Network. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”31316″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]END OF YEAR GREETINGS[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The FMA Annual Events “End of Year Greetings” continued on 10 December with: \n\nFrom 10.00 to 11.00: Librorum: “Ten Elections. A History of the European Parliament at the Ballot Box (1979–2024)”\nFrom 11.00 to 13.00: Annual Seminar: “The role of EU institutions and Parliamentary Diplomacy in a changing world”\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2025-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EN-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250520T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250520T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20250429T140311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T075039Z
UID:29885-1747762200-1747773000@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Annual Cocktail and Dinner Debate 2025
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday 20 May 2025\, from 18.30 to 21.30\, the Former Members Association will host its annual Dinner Debate\, which will be preceded by a welcoming cocktail reception. \nThis distinguished event will be held in the Members’ Restaurant of the European Parliament in Brussels\, offering a unique opportunity for Former Members to engage in meaningful discussions and reconnect in an elegant setting. \nEuropean Parliament Quaestor Fabienne Keller will deliver a welcome message at the beginning of the cocktail. The dinner will be opened by European Parliament Quaestor Marc Angel\, who will deliver a welcome speech. After\, Guest Speaker Ms. Arianna Podestà\, Spokesperson of the European Commission\, will give a speech titled: “Europe’s Choice: from trade to defence\, the key decisions shaping our future in the current geopolitical landscape” followed by an exchange of views with FMA members. Our special guest Ms. Maria João Rodrigues\, former MEP\, will also add a brief speech during this event. The audience will be a mix of former MEPs\, MEPs and guests. \nTo facilitate participation and ensure inclusiveness\, interpretation services in both English and French will be provided for those who require them.
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/annual-cocktail-and-dinner-debate-2025/
LOCATION:European Parliament\, Rue Wiertz 60\, Brussels\, 1050\, Belgium
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EN-programme-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20241203T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20241203T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20240507T093615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241206T121828Z
UID:27091-1733247000-1733257800@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2024 Annual Cocktail Reception and Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]We are very honored to have had President Herman Van Rompuy\, President of the Chamber of Representatives (2007-2008)\, Prime Minister of Belgium (2008-2009)\, President of the European Council (2009-2014)\, as our guest speaker at the Annual Dinner on 3 December from 19.30 to 21.30 at the European Parliament in Brussels. The Annual Dinner was preceded by the Annual Cocktail Reception from 18.30 to 19.30 with Invited Guest Speaker Vice-President of the European Parliament Esteban González Pons. The event was reserved to the Association’s Members who have received a communication from the FMA Secretariat by email.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”28274″ css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nInvited Guest Speaker at the FMA Annual Cocktail Reception Vice-President of the European Parliament Esteban González Pons \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”28276″ css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nInvited Guest Speaker at the FMA Annual Dinner President Herman Van Rompuy \n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]To see Herman Van Rompuy’s CV\, click here. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]These special events were the culmination of an intense year of activities and programmes and were an opportunity for both newly elected and former MEPs to meet and discuss the most pressing issues on the agenda for the next parliamentary term. The draft programme is available here. \nThe FMA Annual Events “End of Year Greetings” continued on 4 December with: \n\nFrom 10.00 to 11.00: “Librorum” a hybrid event organised in co-operation with EPLO Netherlands\, during which FMA Member Marietje Schaake presented her latest publication “The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley”. The programme and more information is available here. \nFrom 11.00 to 13.00: Annual Seminar on EU Defence and Security policy. The programme and more information is available here. \n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2024-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-FMA-visit-to-Belgium-Twitter-Post-6.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20240410T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20240410T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20231019T130712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T102402Z
UID:25766-1712773800-1712782800@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Dinner Debate 2024
DESCRIPTION:On 9 April 2024\, FMA President Klaus Hänsch and the Members of the Management Committee organised a Cocktail Reception and Dinner Debate at the European Parliament. The event saw a gathering of esteemed individuals from various spheres of European governance and society. The audience\, comprising former MEPs\, current MEPs\, and esteemed guests\, added valuable perspectives to the discourse. \nMr Stefano Mallia\, President of the Employers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee\, gave a keynote speech as an Inviter Speaker at the Dinner Debate. Mr Mallia’s insightful address shed light on the pivotal role of the EESC as the ‘House of social society’ and emphasized the importance of EU policies in everyday life. His words resonated deeply\, underscoring the commitment to making EU policies relevant and accessible to all. Following Mr. Mallia’s address\, an engaging exchange of views ensued\, facilitated by FMA members\, contributing to a dynamic dialogue on pressing European issues.
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/dinner-debate-2024/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Annotation-2023-10-19-150619.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20231206T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20231206T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20230622T123109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231214T110525Z
UID:25119-1701887400-1701894600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2023 Annual dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Press Release” color=”warning” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fpress-release-5-december-2023-2%2F|title:Press%20Release%20%E2%80%93%205%20December%202023″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Speech President Hänsch” color=”warning” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2FDinner-Speech-The-promise-of-European-unification-was-a-war-FIN.pdf|title:Press%20Release%20%E2%80%93%205%20December%202023″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The FMA organised its Annual Cocktail Reception and Dinner to close an intense year of activities and programmes. \nVice-President of the European Parliament\, Rainer WIELAND\, attended the event and delivered a speech\, representing the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. The Cocktail is an opportunity for both Former and current MEPs to network and exchange views\, among them was Vice-President of the European Parliament\, Marc ANGEL. \nAfterwards\, during the Annual Dinner\, Vice-President Wieland gave a short speech and answered some of the questions that the Former Parliamentarians had. \nThe FMA Annual Events continued on 7th December with the FMA Annual Seminar: “Participation and AI in Europe – Towards the 2024 European Elections”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”26217\,26219\,26222″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2023-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cocktail-Dinner-2022-Twitter-Post-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20230503T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20230503T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20221221T140922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T131548Z
UID:23442-1683135000-1683145800@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Dinner Debate 2023
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 3 May 2023\, the FMA Management Committee organised the FMA Dinner Debate in the European Parliament Members’ Restaurant (SPINELLI). The Dinner Debate was proceeded with a Cocktail. \nWe were delighted to welcome this year Mr Paolo Gentiloni\, EU Commissioner for Economy\, as invited guest speaker to the Dinner Debate. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Read here the Press Release about the FMA Annual Events 2023″ color=”warning” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fpress-release-4-may-2023%2F”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”24447\,24449\,24451\,24453″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/dinner-debate-2023/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/WhatsApp-Image-2023-05-09-at-15.14.26.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20221206T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20221206T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20220905T141054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221221T142636Z
UID:22644-1670351400-1670358600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2022 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Tuesday 6 December 2022 at 19.30 (Brussels time)\, the FMA Annual Dinner took place in the Fables Room of the House of European History\, Brussels. \nRoberta Metsola\, President of the European Parliament\, welcomed the FMA Members and Guests with a video message. \nThe invited Guest Speaker of this year’s dinner was Secretary General of the European Parliament\, Klaus Welle.  The Dinner Debate was preceded by a Cocktail Reception in the VIP Room at 18.30.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXLVwr4hpcg” title=”Watch the welcome by President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2022-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/7b1d7309-40ac-41b1-b74a-01cca001f869-e1671629137167.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20220601T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20220601T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20220324T160528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220608T135136Z
UID:20527-1654108200-1654115400@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Dinner Debate 2022
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Wednesday 1 June at 19.30\, the FMA Management Committee organised a Dinner Debate in the European Parliament’s Presidential Salon. The Dinner Debate was preceded by a Cocktail Reception\, hosted by the FMA at 18.30. \nThe event was chaired by the then FMA President Hans-Gert Pöttering. Guest Speaker Pat Cox\, former EP (2002-2004) and FMA President (2010-2014)\, gave an inspiring speech on ‘War in Ukraine – the 21st century’s most momentous geopolitical event’: “Putin’s invasion of Ukraine marks a point of inflection in global history and is the most momentous geopolitical event so far of the 21st century. This new reality has been an eye-opening wake up call for democracies across the world. For all their contested politics\, these democracies got the message loud and clear and responded to the challenge with a speed\, substance and coherence that Putin and perhaps even they could not have anticipated.”[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”READ THE FULL SPEECH BY PAT COX” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fspeech-by-pat-cox-war-in-ukraine-the-21st-centurys-most-momentous-geopolitical-event%2F”][vc_column_text] \nThe speech was followed by a Q&A session with the audience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21905″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text] \nFrom left: Former EP President Klaus HÄNSCH\, FMA and Former EP President\nHans-Gert PÖTTERING and Former FMA and EP President Pat COX\nat the FMA Annual Dinner Debate on 1 June 2022. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/dinner-debate-2022/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dinner-debate-1-June-2022-1500-×-500px-Twitter-Post-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20211207T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20211207T193000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20210701T122024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211214T172353Z
UID:16149-1638900000-1638905400@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Closing Event of the FMA 20th Anniversary celebrations
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”18628″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text] \n\nProgramme\n\n\nFurther information on the FMA events\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 7 December 2021 from 19.00 – 20.30 the FMA celebrated the Closing Ceremony of the FMA 20th Anniversary with a hybrid event\, web-streamed from the prestigious House of European History. \nThe event was opened by Hans-Gert Pöttering\, President of the FMA and Former President of the European Parliament and it held a keynote speech by Guest Speaker Roberta Metsola MEP\, First Vice-President of the European Parliament.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] \n\n\nThe event was web-streamed through Zoom from the House of European History with interpretation in EN and FR. \nYou can find here the Press Release of the FMA Events on the 7th of December. \n\n\n[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Watch the video of the event” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:25|text_align:center|color:%232542e8″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/5PGDVKTdEu0″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/closing-ceremony-of-the-fma-20th-anniversary/
CATEGORIES:Annual Dinner,Dinner Debate,Policy event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/banner-sito-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20210601T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20210601T193000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20210216T213401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210705T095106Z
UID:14365-1622568600-1622575800@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Celebrations of the FMA 20th anniversary  - Virtual debate with Elisa Ferreira\, Commissioner of Cohesion and Reforms
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nPresident of the FMA and former President of the European Parliament\, Hans-Gert Pöttering opened the event with the first showing of the FMA 20th anniversary video\, followed by a debate and a Question and Answers session with European Commissioner of Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira.  \nDue to the Covid-19 pandemic\, our traditional Dinner Debate taking place in the European Parliament has been replaced into an online event. \nThis event was only open to FMA members and guests.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/virtual-conversation-elisa-ferreira/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/elisa_ferreira_-_oficial-e1613508480578.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20201209T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20201209T190000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200204T130138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201221T104900Z
UID:10576-1607535000-1607540400@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Virtual Conversation with Werner Hoyer\, President of the EIB
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13106″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]On the 9 December\, the FMA hosted their yearly Annual Dinner event\, online. Werner Hoyer\, President of the European Investment Bank held a keynote speech followed by an interesting digital conversation. \nThe FMA was pleased to welcome special guests such as the political groups’ representatives Siegfried Muresan MEP (EPP Vice-President) and Robert Zile MEP (ECR Vice-President)\, and European Political Foundations’ representatives Dr. Eoin Drea\, Svenja Hahn MEP and Jürgen Martens.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13556″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Werner Hoyer delivered a keynote speech about the work of the European Investment Bank (EIB)\, especially in the context of the Covid-19 crisis and the climate challenges the EU currently faces. He introduced the participants to the history of the EIB and affirmed the growing relationship between the European Parliament and the EIB\, especially due to the 2015 Juncker-Plan that prepared the way for a constructive interinstitutional relationship. \nThe EIB can be seen as a financial tool that enables money to flow into projects\, however\, many people are not aware of its power and magnitude. \n“We are twice the size of the World Bank […] and you as policy shapers and policymakers must know what kind of powerful instrument you have in your hands\,” he said. “The addition of advisory capacity brings us into a unique position. Lending\, blending and advising should never be missing in an EU Bank”. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]According to Werner Hoyer the EIB chooses their projects wisely under specific conditions\, which are sustainability\, financial viability and economic viability. During his time at the EIB\, he explained\, they already financed many projects and during the process\, they make use of the advantage to have the best and advanced engineering department in the house. This ensures that EIB financed projects accomplish the needed characteristics. Often\, other companies\, for example\, insurance companies\, then show interest to co-finance a project. For Hoyer\, it shows that there is the need to invest more in private activity. \nWerner Hoyer introduced one of the main topics of this event\, the Covid-19 crisis\, with the example of BionTech in Germany\, the company that produces one of the first vaccines. The EIB supported them already in their cancer research and within the trust they already had\, decided to invest in the Covid-19 vaccine as well. \nThe second important topic was climate change.  Climate challenges cannot be forgotten because of Covid-19. \n“We dedicate 50% of our business to climate and environmental challenges\, one trillion euro of climate action and environmental sustainability until 2030\, we are the first multilateral bank to be Paris aligned by the end of the year”.  \nThe EIB proposed a EIB Group Climate Bank Roadmap in November 2020 which got unanimously approved by all governments. This was another very important step towards the EU’s climate targets. The EIB has an enormous commitment to the Green Deal. Werner Hoyer promised that there would be even more investment in the future to help companies or institutions to align with the same values.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13567″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]The discussion covered various topics\, such as fossil fuel investment\, financing education\, financing of infrastructures in neighbouring countries\, Green Deal\, Rule of Law\, the UK after Brexit\, among others. Research and development\, climate policy and innovation have been suffering throughout the pandemic\, but Hoyer remains positive mentioning that member states are welcomed to combine RFF packages with loans of the EIB. He also mentioned the need for lending\, blending and advising and with that\, the EIB can provide help to countries\, not only financially. He added that Europe needs a system of green bond principles – reporting rules\, transparency and accountability so investors can rely on their money being used for a purpose that is described by objectives of the European Union. The EIB will also focus and expand health and education projects in the future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Werner Hoyer pointed out that there is still apprehension and doubt about the transition to green energy instead of fossil fuels. He warned that investment in fossil fuels is no long-term investment anymore.  This kind of Investment can only lead to harm\, and this trend cannot be reversed in the next 15 years. Thus\, he considered that it would be irresponsible to continue to invest in fossil fuels as a European bank. \nThe EIB and the UK will also go separate paths after the Brexit. UK money will gradually go back to the country and UK representatives within the EIB will be exchanged. \nOther questions were about the preparation towards China’s non-sustainable investments in Africa and South America\, obstacles the EIB faces\, how long it will take to retrain non-workers into digital workers\, worries about hydrogen energy and housing and the public market and its impact on emissions. \nWerner Hoyer explained that the Chinese have flooded Africa and South America. However he says a growing trend of African investment reconsidering and rejecting Chinese projects as many are not durable and need to be rebuild after five years. The EIB needs to be present and help the African leaders to secure the future. He added that the investment in sustainable housing is one of the biggest projects to reduce emissions\, therefore the EIB will increasingly invest in this field and go beyond European borders. \nFinally\, Hoyer addressed the concerns about the use of non-green hydrogen in the future to reach the EU’s climate goals. Hydrogen energy is currently seen as the top alternative to the use of fossil fuel but it needs to be guaranteed that its production does not cause carbon itself. That is why Hoyer explained\, that it is with high demand that the EIB will only invest in hydrogen if it is green hydrogen. He himself is doing full research for every possibility concerning hydrogen energy because he does not believe that a focus on one energy will be sustainable for Europe’s future – technology should be open to benefit society. \nThe discussion ended on Hoyer’s last note that when different work cultures or institutions work together\, it can be difficult. However\, the interinstitutional cooperation between the EIB and the European shows  that as when there is a constructive political dialogue that eventually translates in guidance on strategic issues and policy\, Europe will be able to prevail challenging times.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Interesting readings” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text] \n\nThe ESM and the EIB: comparison of some features\nJust transition in EU regions\nHow the EU budget is spent: European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI)\nGuarantee Fund for External Actions\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2020-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Untitled-design-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20200909T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20200909T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200716T142446Z
UID:7278-1599672600-1599681600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2020 Dinner Debate -  Cancelled
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Due to coronavirus\, the 2020 Dinner Debate has been cancelled. \nAccording to the President’s Decision of 26 June 2020 on measures in relation with COVID-19 and community masks\, events in Parliament premises remain cancelled until further notice\, irrespective of their organiser or authorising authority.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2019-annual-dinner-2/
LOCATION:European Parliament\, Rue Wiertz 60\, Brussels\, 1050\, Belgium
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20191127_EP-096165A_DLL_013_RESIZED_M.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191109
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191111
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T154636Z
UID:5000-1573340400-1573426799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2019 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2019 Annual Dinner was held on Tuesday 10th November 2019 at the Member’s Restaurant of the European Parliament in Brussels. Mr. Klaus- Hener LEHNE\, President of European Couurt od Auditors\, was the Guest Speaker at the dinner. You can find more pictures on the FMA Flickr account. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5003\,5005\,5007\,5009\,5011″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” custom_links=”#E-8_aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmxpY2tyLmNvbSUyRnBob3RvcyUyRjE1MTg2MjA1MCU0ME4wNyUyRmFsYnVtcyUyRjcyMTU3NzEyMTcwMDE3MjMx”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2019-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2019-annual-dinner-pic2-scaled-e1592495088980.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190402
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190404
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200602T150319Z
UID:4855-1554246000-1554332399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2019 Dinner Debate
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 2019 Dinner Debate took place on Wednesday 3 April at the Member’s Restaurant of the European Parliament in Brussels. The Guest Speaker was Professor Renaud Dehousse\, President of the European University Institute (EUI).[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4858\,4860\,4862\,4864″ img_size=”large” onclick=””][vc_column_text]Click here for more pictures[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2019-dinner-debate/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20190403_EP-086806C_TRO_0389-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181129
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200602T150446Z
UID:5014-1543359600-1543445999@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2018 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2018 Annual Dinner was held on Wednesday 28th November 2018 at the Member’s Restaurant of the European Parliament in Brussels. Mr. Carlos Moedas\, European Commissioner for Research\, Science and Innovation\, was the Guest Speaker at the dinner. His speech can be found here and more pictures on the FMA Flickr account. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5015\,5017\,5019\,5021″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” custom_links_target=”_blank” custom_links=”#E-8_aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmxpY2tyLmNvbSUyRnBob3RvcyUyRjE1MTg2MjA1MCU0ME4wNyUyRmFsYnVtcyUyRjcyMTU3Njk4Mzc0MzQwMTcw”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2018-annual-dinner/
LOCATION:European Parliament\, Rue Wiertz 60\, Brussels\, 1050\, Belgium
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2018-annual-dinner-pic3-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180503
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200227T154631Z
UID:4867-1525215600-1525301999@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2018 Dinner Debate
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 2018 Dinner Debate took place on Wednesday 2 May in the European Parliament\, Brussels. Mr. Roberto Gualtieri MEP\,  Chair of the EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs \, was our Guest of Honour.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4870\,4872\,4874\,4868″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]For more photographs of the Dinner Debate\, please click here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2018-dinner-debate/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2018-dinner-debate-slide1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171128
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171130
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200415T125414Z
UID:5025-1511910000-1511996399@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2017 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2017 FMA Annual Dinner was held on 29 November. The guest speaker was Mr. Mirek Topolánek\,Former President of the Council of the EU (2009) and former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic (2006-2009). His speech was entitled “The former Communist states of Eastern Europe are they meeting the challenges of our continent”. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5026\,5028\,5030\,5032\,5034\,5036\,5038″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2017-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2017-annual-dinner-pic1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170529
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170531
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200227T163412Z
UID:4878-1496098800-1496185199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2017 Dinner Debate
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 2017 Dinner Debate took place on Tuesday 30 May in the European Parliament\, Brussels. Mr. H.E Ambassador Reinhard Silberberg\,  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the European Union\, was our Guest of Honour.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4879\,4881\,4883\,4885\,4948\,4946\,4944″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2017-dinner-debate/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2017-dinner-debate-pic1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20161129
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20161201
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200415T125552Z
UID:5041-1480460400-1480546799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2016 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2016 FMA Annual Dinner was held on 30 November. The guest speaker was Mr. Elmar Brok\, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. His speech was referred to today’s challenges to democracy with a specific reference to topical issues such as Brexit\, US elections\, EU relations with Russia and Turkey. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5042\,5044\,5046\,5048\,5050\,5052\,5054″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2016-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2016-annual-dinner-pic4-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160425
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160427
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200616T160653Z
UID:4888-1461625200-1461711599@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2016 Dinner Debate
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2016 Dinner Debate took place on Tuesday 26 April in the European Parliament\, Brussels. Mr. Günther H. Oettinger\, EU Commissioner for Digital Economy & Society\, was our Guest of Honour. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4895\,4893\,4891\,4889\,4897\,4899\,4901\,4903\,4905\,4907\,4909″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2016-dinner-debate/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2016-dinner-debate-pic4.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20151201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151203
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200415T125710Z
UID:5057-1449010800-1449097199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2015 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2015 FMA Annual Dinner was held on 2 December. The guest speaker was Ms. Laua THOMPSON\, Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5074\,5076\,5078\,5080\,5082\,5084″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2015-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2015-annual-dinner-pic2-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20150525
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20150527
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200227T162626Z
UID:4912-1432594800-1432681199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2015 Dinner Debate
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2015 Dinner Debate took place on Tuesday 26 May in the European Parliament\, Brussels. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4913\,4915\,4917\,4919\,4921\,4923\,4925″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2015-dinner-debate/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2016-dinner-debate-pic8.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20141201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20141203
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200616T102325Z
UID:5065-1417474800-1417561199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2014 Annual Dinner
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe Annual Dinner of 2014 was organized on the 2th of December at the European Parliament with Mario Monti\, former Italian Prime Minister\, as a guest of honour. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”5087\,5089\,5091\,5093\,5095\,5097\,5099\,5101″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2014-annual-dinner/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2014-annual-dinner-pic6-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20140407
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20140409
DTSTAMP:20260501T213005
CREATED:20200227T152954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200227T163054Z
UID:4928-1396911600-1396997999@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2014 Dinner Debate
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe 2014 Dinner Debate took place on Tuesday 8th April at the European Parliament in Brussels. Mr.Eduardo Barredo Capelot\, Director for Social Statistics at Eurostat \, was our Guest of Honour. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”4925\,4929\,4941\,4939\,4937\,4935\,4933\,4931″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/2014-dinner-debate/
CATEGORIES:Dinner Debate
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2014-dinner-debate-pic5.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR