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: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;VALUE=DATE:20250614
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250617
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20250929T160847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T104100Z
UID:30758-1749942000-1750114799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:CAFP Annual Meeting 2025
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Ms. Monica Baldi\, Vice-President of FMA\, participated as a distinguished guest in the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians\, held in Ottawa on June 15–16. The meeting featured a series of conferences and events attended by former members of the Canadian Parliament\, former members of the United States Congress and former Members of the European Parliament.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Programme” color=”orange” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2F2025-CAFP_OVERVIEW-en.pdf”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Read the full report of the meeting in the FMA September Bulletin (p. 18)” color=”orange” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2FEPFMA-Bulletin-September-2025-EN.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Among the highlights of this meeting were the following main points: \nMemorial Service for Deceased Parliamentarians – June 16\, 2025\nMs. Baldi joined CAFP members\, current parliamentarians and special guests at the annual service in the House of Commons Chamber. The event honored former Members of the Canadian Parliament who passed away in the previous year. \nFireside Discussion on the Global Geopolitical Landscape – June 16\, 2025\nAt a luncheon hosted by the CAFP\, Ms. Baldi took part in a panel discussion with former U.S. Congresswomen Barbara Comstock and Donna Edwards\, and former Canadian Minister Seamus O’Regan. The exchange focused on democratic resilience\, disinformation and civic engagement. Ms. Baldi contributed a European perspective\, which inspired thoughtful questions and a rich dialogue with attendees. \nAnnual Dinner of the CAFP – June 16\, 2025\nDuring the Annual Dinner\, Ms. Baldi highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation among former legislators across borders. The evening provided a collegial setting to reflect on shared values and opportunities for collaboration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30781″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nSpeakers at the “Fireside Discussion with Guest Speakers”. From left to right: Seamus O’Regan (Former Member of the Canadian Parliament)\, Monica Baldi (FMA Vice-President)\, Barbara Comstock (Former Member of the U.S. Congress) and Donna Edwards (Former Member of the U.S. Congress). \n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Productive Trilateral Meeting\nThe three associations\, EP_FMA\, CAFP and US_AFMC\, agreed to advance joint initiatives on civic education\, democratic engagement and cross-border dialogue on global challenges. This commitment represents a significant step in strengthening the role of former parliamentarians internationally.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”30788″ alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nMonica Baldi\, FMA Vice-President\, during her speech at the CAFP Annual Meeting. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”30792″ alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nMonica Baldi\, FMA Vice-President\, delivering a gift to the President of the CAFP\, Matt DeCourcey. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Strengthening International Networks – Message from the President of the CAFP\nCAFP President Matt DeCourcey reaffirmed the association’s mandate to support democracy in Canada and worldwide. He emphasised the importance of collaboration with European partners and praised Ms. Baldi’s presence in Ottawa as a demonstration of enduring friendship and cooperation between parliamentarians.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””] \n\n\n\n“The meeting in Ottawa was particularly fruitful. The three associations of former European\, Canadian and US parliamentarians have decided to strengthen their cooperation by working on joint projects.” –  Vice President of EP_FMA\, Hon. Monica Baldi\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30785″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nFrom left to right: Matt DeCourcey (CAFP President) and Monica Baldi (FMA Vice-President). \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/cafp-annual-meeting-2025/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CAFP-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250414
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20250929T160010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T103958Z
UID:30751-1743462000-1744585199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Delegation of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians in Italy
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]The FMA organised a special study visit to Italy from 1 to 13 April 2025\, as part of its partnership with the Association of Former Canadian Parliamentarians (CAFP). The programme featured a wide range of meetings\, events\, conferences and seminars in which both delegations took an active part. The 15-member delegation\, led by CAFP President Emeritus Leo Duguay and FMA Vice-President Monica Baldi\, visited Rome\, Florence and Siena.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Programme of the Visit” color=”orange” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2FAgenda-CAFP-1_13.2025.pdf”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Read the full report of the visit in the FMA June Bulletin (p. 14-19)” color=”orange” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2F2025-EN-JUNE-ONLINE.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Among the highlights of this visit were the following key meetings:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPolicy Debate at Europa Experience – David Sassoli in Rome (2 April 2025) \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Europa Experience – David Sassoli of Rome hosted an important meeting between our Association of Former Members of the European Parliament (EP_FMA) and the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians (CAFP). \nThe event marked the first official meeting between the two delegations in Italy. A moment of dialogue aimed at strengthening transatlantic relations and discussing current global challenges. \nAfter the introduction by llaria Garampi from the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy\, Monica Baldi\, Vice-President EP_FMA; Leo Dugay\, President CAFP\, Elvira Marasco\, President Women20 Italy\, took the floor. The participants engaged in an exchange of views on the new economic and geopolitical dynamics\, structural transformations and challenges to international governance. The event represented a unique opportunity to explore the role of parliamentary co-operation and strengthen the ties between Europe and Canada.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30762″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nFMA Members and CAFP delegation in European Experience meeting room in Rome. Vice President Monica BALDI in the middle of the group photo with CAFP delegation’s leader Leo DUGUAY and EPLO’s representative Ilaria GARAMPI. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \n\n\n\n“We have ties of freedom with Canada\, feelings that we have in our hearts. We were born with the idea that Canada is our ally\, it helped us during the war and with Italian immigration.” –  Prof. Andrea Manzella\, FMA Member\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nMeeting in the Chamber of Deputies in Rome: Sala Della Lupa (3 April 2025) \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]On April 3rd 2025\, there was a high-level political meeting on the initiative of EP_FMA with authoritative members of the Association of former Italian parliamentarians and the Delegation of former Canadian parliamentarians in the prestigious Sala della Lupa in the Chamber of Deputies. \nThe session opened with welcome speeches by Hon. Giuseppe Gargani\, Hon. Monica Baldi\, and Hon. Leo Duguay\, and was followed by an open exchange of views among participants. Discussions focused on key issues concerning relations between Canada\, Italy and the European Union\, set against a backdrop of evolving trade dynamics and global governance challenges. A frank and engaging discussion on how to address the new tariff measures imposed overnight by Trump.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30764″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nMembers of the Italian Association of Former Parliamentarians\, from the FMA and from CAFP in the Italian Chamber of Deputies\, Sala della Lupa\, in Rome. In the middle\, FMA Vice President Monica BALDI\, President of the Italian Association Giuseppe GARGANI\, and CAFP President Leo DUGUAY. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nHigh-Level Conference in Florence: A Changed World: Fostering Resilience in the New Global Order (7 April 2025) \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyjRGhybPzQ” align=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]This event\, organised by the Florence School of Transnational Governance (EUI) in collaboration with the European Parliament Former Members Association (EP_FMA)\, brought together former Canadian and European policymakers\, including prominent figures such as: \n• Kim Campbell: 19th prime minister of Canada from June to November 1993. Campbell is the first and only female prime minister of Canada.\n• Enrique Baròn Crespo\, former President of the European Parliament\, a prominent European political figure\, with a career that includes strengthening European integration and promoting human rights and democracy.\n• Danuta Hübner\, former European Commissioner and member of EP_FMA\, known for her work in European economic policies and governance. She served as president of the Committee on International Trade and is a key figure in global trade relations.\n• Sir Graham Watson\, former British Member of the European Parliament\, known for his work in international politics\, trade\, and the environment\, and his leadership on European and transatlantic cooperation issues. \nIn addition to these speakers\, the seminar featured contributions from Arancha González Laya\, one of the leading experts in international trade and former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Spain\, and Gian Paolo Meneghini\, a European Parliament Fellow at the Robert Schuman Centre (EUI).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \n\n\n\n“This event provided a critical and urgent exchange between highly experienced political figures on one of the most important and concerning issues on the international agenda. Can Europe and Canada find a way to restore relations with Trump’s America\, or should we prepare for the worst?” –  Executive Director of the Florence School of Transnational Governance\, Mr. Fabrizio Tassinari\n\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””] \n\n\n\n“In this historic moment\, in which significant epochal transformations are taking place\, it was particularly interesting to engage in discussions with our Canadian colleagues and also hear the perspective from the academic world. We analysed the new commercial dynamics\, structural changes\, and the new governance challenges that could undermine global stability.” –  Vice President of EP_FMA\, Hon. Monica Baldi\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30766″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] \nFMA Members with CAFP Delegation in the Florence School of Transnational Governance with Vice President Monica BALDI in the middle of the group photo with FMA Former President Enrique BARÓN CRESPO\, Leo DUGUAY and FMA member Sir. Graham WATSON. \n[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”See the details of the conference here” color=”orange” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formermembers.eu%2Fevent%2Fhigh-level-conference-a-changed-world-fostering-resilience-in-the-new-global-order%2F”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/delegation-cafp-in-italy/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sala-della-Lupa.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250127T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250127T163000
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20250116T162852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T104846Z
UID:28930-1737990000-1737995400@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:2024: Lessons Learned From the Year of Elections
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iexhwnMf7PY” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]The US Association of Former Members of Congress and Former Members’ Association of European Parliament hosted a virtual panel discussion titled “2024: Lessons Learned From the Year of Elections” on 27 January from 10.00 to 11.30 ET through Zoom. Moderated by Sudha David-Wilp\, Vice President of External Relations at the German Marshall Fund of the United States\, the panel featured distinguished speakers Hon. Kathy Manning (D-MI\, 2021-2025)\, the Hon. Dennis Ross (R-FL\, 2011-2019)\, Prof. Dr. Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl (MEP 1989-2019\, Germany) and Ms. Ana Gomes (MEP 2004-2019\, Portugal). \nThe profile of speakers is available here. \nThe discussion provided valuable insights into how the 2024 elections reshaped global political landscapes\, key changes in the new global order\, and the implications for transatlantic relations and global governance. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThank you to our esteemed panelists and moderator for their contributions to this thought-provoking discussion. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”28932″ img_size=”large” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/lessons-learned-from-the-year/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lessons-Learned.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20210708T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20210708T170000
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20210629T134340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210712T092917Z
UID:16067-1625760000-1625763600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Webinar: Do US and European Political Systems Need Major Reform?
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 8 July 2021 from 17.00 to 18.00 (Brussels time)\, the Former Members’ Association of European Parliament and the US Association of Former Members of Congress organised a webinar entitled “Do US and European Political Systems Need Major Reform?”. The moderator of this event was Richard Wike\, Director of Global Attitudes Research\, Pew Research Center.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”16058″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/do-us-and-european-political-systems-need-major-reform/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Copy-of-From-the-gallery-Gandarias.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210128
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210130
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20210218T183413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210219T130258Z
UID:14441-1611874800-1611961199@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Appeal for Democracy and Dialogue
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As FP-AP member\, the FMA fully supports the “Appeal for Democracy and Dialogue” an initiative taken jointly with our American and Canadian partners. \nFIN EN Appeal[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/appeal-for-democracy-and-dialogue/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/iStock-846999876-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20201023T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20201023T013000
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20190604T011906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210218T164129Z
UID:3102-1603411200-1603416600@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:Virtual Roundtable "Responding to COVID-19- A Global Discussion”
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 22 October 2020\, for the first time the European Parliament Former Member Association (FMA) and Global Former Parliamentarians from across the world participated in a special virtual roundtable on “Responding to COVID-19 – A Global Discussion”. \n\nThe Former Members Association of European Parliament was presented by Lord Richard Balfe\,\nThe USA Former Members of Congress was presented by President Charles Boustany\,\nThe Former Members of New Zealand Parliament was presented by Peter Dunne.\n\nThe moderator of this event was Rafael Bernal\, a journalist based in Washington DC working for The Hill. \nHere below you can watch the video if you missed it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/cENdNa30GN8″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/virtual-round-table-global-discussion/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gray-Minimal-Cross-Memorial-Business-Card-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190601
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190604
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20200204T094955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200602T132258Z
UID:4045-1559430000-1559602799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:CAFP Annual Meeting 2019
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nVISITING CANADA – 2 AND 3 JUNE 2019\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nAttending the annual general meeting pf the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians (CAFP) has reaffirmed my conviction that establishing collaborative relationships with other organisations whose objectives are broadly aligned with our own to exchange information\, experiences\, ideas and working methods conducive to innovation and to enhance the effectiveness of our actions\, as one of the best investments we can make to ensure our association maintains its dynamism and moves forward with cohesion into the global reality of the world we live in. \nIt also reaffirmed my conviction concerning the important role that associations such as ours can play in advancing towards a better world: the knowledge\, leadership\, commitment and experience of the majority of former parliamentarians is an extremely valuable resource that should not be wasted. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”3882″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe CAFP strives to improve democracy in the world. Some of its members\, such as its former president\, Léo Duguay\, are true experts in this field. \nThe various scheduled events\, were an opportunity to meet and talk with former MPs and senators from various parties\, and all of whom agreed that their active participation in the association enables them to continue serving their country. \nI was extremely warmly welcomed\, and everyone I met was united by their interest in current affairs in the EU: I was mainly asked about the results of the recent European elections\, the future of Brexit\, the EU’s relations with the Trump administration and the situation in Catalonia. The current CAFP President\, Dorothy Dobbie\, with whom I had dinner the night before\, gave me the opportunity to address the meeting. \nThe CAFP enjoys strong institutional support from the House of Commons and the Senate. We discussed the most topical issues for  Canada with both speakers: The problems with the USA concerning the ratification of NAFTA\, the ongoing crisis with China following the arrest of Meng Wanzhou\, the CFO of Huawei and daughter of its founder\, on accusations of violating the sanctions against Iran\, and the current situation in Quebec. \nWe also discussed the Arctic and indigenous communities\, topics of particular interest for me. Canada is one of five countries with sovereignty over the Arctic\, thus holding both the right to exploit its resources and the principal responsibility for maintaining its ecosystem. The Arctic represents 40% of Canada’s territory\, and an integral part of Canada’s identity. It is home to 115 000 people\, most of whom are indigenous and have difficulty accessing housing\, education and health care\, and\, owing to living conditions in the region\, in producing fresh food locally. The consequences of climate change in the Arctic are currently a source of both challenges and opportunities. \nThe indigenous population is growing four times more quickly than the rest of Canada’s population and indigenous languages are showing a strong resurgence. \nThe visit was extremely constructive and although some of their activities are very similar to ours – publishing the magazine Beyond the Hill\, study visits\, seminars\, conferences\, and regional meetings – I took a careful note of any elements that we could serve as a model for us too. \nLastly\, a word of remembrance for a colleague and friend\, Senator Pierre Nolin\, with I worked for long hours in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly\, who died in 2015 as Speaker of the Senate. He was greatly appreciated by all. \nTeresa Riera Madurell \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/cafp-annual-meeting-2019/
LOCATION:Annual Meeting\, Bruxelles\, B-1047\, Belgium
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Former-Members-Network.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180625
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180628
DTSTAMP:20260501T195945
CREATED:20190604T011906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200618T095214Z
UID:8813-1529892000-1530064799@www.formermembers.eu
SUMMARY:FMC Annual Meeting 2018
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”8825″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”8828″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mission report \nOn 25 and 26 June 2018\, in Washington\, the annual meeting of the US Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) was held. FMA Vice-President Jan Willem Bertens had been invited. \nThe event began with panel discussions on ‘The Future of Europe’ and ‘American Democracy and Civics’. \nThe topics for debate included the fate of Europe\, with or without Brexit. In response to questions\, views on the subject were expressed by the Dutch Ambassador Henne Schuwer and his Belgian counterpart Dirk Wouters\, with Dr Emily Tamkin\, foreign affairs reporter at Buzzfeed News\, as moderator. \nWith just 250 days to go to Brexit\, it is still not clear what it will involve. Four scenarios were identified. A Soft Brexit to simulate a customs union without internal import tariffs but with a common tariff for trade with the rest of the world. So there would be no independent trade agreements with the USA\, Australia and New Zealand. A complete rejection would mean the end of May’s political career\, with all the political turbulence that that entails. Bad for European business. What is crucial is that Brussels should allow scope for less than full participation in the internal market while permitting a strong relationship with a strategic partner (the USA?). \nA Hard Brexit if the EU continues to insist on full participation in the internal market\, without the option of a customs union. If the UK ceased to have any say in Brussels\, but was still obliged to follow all the rules\, a standard trade agreement would apply. The social uncertainty and economic damage would be greater. There would be substantial barriers at borders. \nIf no agreement is reached on the Irish border: No Deal. Nor would there be a transitional period until 2020\, which would inevitably create chaos in transport and food supplies. Approval would be required from the European Parliament\, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. In other words\, a disaster scenario. \nIs No Brexit still a possibility? That would only be on the table if the UK surrendered all its derogations: it would lose its rebate and opt-outs. British politicians\, too\, will only dare to press the No button if they feel that they have the support of the electorate. According to surveys\, the ratio between leavers and remainers is roughly the same as in 2016. So\, on 29 March 2019\, goodbye Great Britain! \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] \nThe title of the panel on Democracy and Civics was ‘The Republic is (still) at risk – and Civics is part of the solution’. \nA Briefing Paper for the Democracy at a Crossroads National Summit is available from the FMA secretariat. The first sentence is a striking one: Americans give the political system a failing grade. ‘Just one in five Americans is willing to trust the government in Washington even “most of the time”\, near the lowest proportion ever recorded!’ \nOn 26 June\, the President\, Mr Stearns\, presented his concluding report in the House Chamber\, and in doing so\, at the same time stepped down from his post\, being succeeded by Martin Frost. In accordance with established practice\, Paul Ryan\, Speaker of the House\, came storming in and\, during his brief visit (twenty minutes)\, greeted his former colleagues and made it clear that he hoped very shortly to become a member of the FMC (thunderous applause). \nJan Willem BERTENS[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.formermembers.eu/event/fmc-annual-meeting-2018/
CATEGORIES:FMA Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.formermembers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/29281405698_8ef157af47_o-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR