One of our main activities is the organisation of international conferences alone or in collaboration with other think-tanks, research institutes and funding bodies.

EIAS Policy Briefs analyse current issues in Asia and recommend appropriate EU responses.

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EIAS is supported by the European Commission DG External Relations

New Developments in Eurasian Energy: Risks and Opportunities
31 October 2007

Chair:
Dr Fraser Cameron, Director of the EU-Russia Centre.

Speaker:
Ariel Cohen, Senior Research Fellow in Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Energy Security at the Davis International Studies Institute

Discussants:
Mr Christopher Ross from the European Commission
Jonathan Holslag, Senior Fellow, VUB, Brussels

The event was co-hosted by the European Institute for Asian Studies, the Association of International Advisors for Russia and Eurasia and the EU-Russia Centre.

This roundtable examined Eurasian governments' energy security strategies, whether and how governments and corporations can find the common ground necessary to develop vast oil and gas resources in Eurasia, including the Arctic; and examined some of the recent cases, including Shell, BP, ENI, etc, and what policies should Western governments and companies pursue in view of the global trend which demonstrates a stronger state control over hydrocarbon exploration and production.

Rural development and trade as key factors for development cooperation in India
18 October 2007 from 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Maelbeek Room, Résidence Palace, IPC, Rue de la Loi 155, Brussels

European Institute for Asian Studies together with the Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, East Midlands European Office and the Europe-India Chamber of Commerce organized a panel discussion on “Rural development and trade as key factors for development cooperation in India”.

8th Europe-East Asia Think Tank Dialogue
30 - 31 October 2006, Berlin
Venue: Konrad Adenauer Foundation

EIAS co-organised the 8th Europe-East Asia Think Tank Dialogue on the theme of Strenghening Regional and Inter-Regional Cooperation in Responding to rising Extremism and Resurging Nationalism.

The Think Tank dialogue was co-organised by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Regional Programme for South East Asia, the Institute for Strategic and Defence Analysis in Manilla with EIAS.

The one-day Dialogue was attended by 34 leading analysts from across East Asia and the European Union.

The programme also included a Public Forum on the theme of strengthening regional and inter-regional cooperation. The Keynote Address on “Asia-Europe Relations after ASEM in its 10th year” was delivered by Dr. Heinrich Kreft, the Foreign Policy Advisor to the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag

A Public Forum was co-chaired by Dr. Günter Rinsche, Member of the Board (Asian Affairs) Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Dr. Carolina G. Hernandez, Institute for Strategic and Development Studies, Philippines. Download the Pogramme

EU-Asia Corporate Responsibility Research Agenda
8 November 2006
Venue: European Institute for Asian Studies

The conference has been co-organised by the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES).

RELOCATION, OUTSOURCING AND ALTERNATIVES
Outsourcing of production can promote trade and specialisation, increase productivity and raise living standards in low and middle income countries. It might also lead to a decline in real wages as well as un- and underemployment in advanced countries, in view of the changes in economic structures and technology, which are associated with the relocation, outsourcing and restructuring.

Inevitably the attitudes of employees to relocation and outsourcing will differ markedly across the different countries and sectors. What national development strategies and policies are best for achieving the mutually beneficial outcomes in advanced as well as developing countries?

ASEM@10: Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe
7 and 8 September 2006
Parliament Building in Helsinki

To mark 10 years of ASEM cooperation, various ASEM actors including representatives of governments, NGOs, the business sector, academia, the media and research institutes have gathered in Helsinki for a dialogue on the ASEM process to date and possible ways to introduce added value to the cooperation in the future.

The event was based on a joint research project by Finland and Japan, entitled "ASEM in its Tenth Year: Looking Back, Looking Forward". The report examines the ASEM process and provides recommendations for future work. The research project was brought to a conclusion in March 2006 and the ASEM@10: Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe is a continuation of the discussion that the report has generated.

The Burma/Myanmar Forum 2006
29 March 2006, International Press Centre, Brussels

The Forum was for officials from EU Governments and Institutions, representatives of interested government and non-governmental organizations, and members of civil society from Burma/Myanmar. The Forum was addressed by the EU Commissioner for External Relations, Ms Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and a senior official from the United Nations.

Governance in Asia
A European Alliance for Asian Studies Conference
21 February 2006, European Parliament, Brussels

The European Institute for Asian Studies, in collaboration with the European Alliance for Asian Studies, and the sponsorship of Mr. Glyn Ford, MEP has been organising its annual Asia Update conference entitled 'Governance in Asia' in the European Parliament, Brussels on Tuesday February 21, 2006. The conference has brought together academic specialists associated with the Member Institutes of the Asia Alliance with a select group of MEPs, officials from the EU institutions and Asian representatives.

7th Europe - East Asia Think Tank Dialogue
22 to 24 November 2005 Jakarta and Denpasar, Indonesia

EIAS has been co-organizing the 7th EU-Asia Think Tank dialogue, jointly with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung regional offices in Singapore and Brussels and the ASEAN-ISIS. This year the meeting was hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta.

Shaping Change - Strategies of Development and Transformation
October 5 - 7, 2005
Bertelsmann Stiftung, Berlin, Germany

A High Level international conference on Political Management of Transformation Enhancing Governance Capacity.

EIAS contributed two sessions: "Market Economy First? Dealing with growing participatory demands" and "Strategic Perspectives - Special Sessions Findings".

EBS London Jean Monnet Memorial Lecture
28 September, 2005
European Business School, London

The European Business School, London has been holding the 2005 Jean Monnet Memorial Lecture on 28th September, specifically on the subject of India.

With India's growth prospects in a globalising world set to hit around 8% from the currrent 6.5% in the near future projecting it to become the third largest economy after the US and China, "India and Globalisation" will be the theme of the Lecture.

Taiwan-China Cross-Straits Relations: What role for the EU?
October 2005 (to be confirmed), London - UK and Brussels - Belgium

This international conference has been hosted by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London in October 2005 and by the European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels under the auspices of the European Alliance for Asian Studies. The multi-level conference will assemble distinguished speakers from China, Taiwan and Europe to discuss and assess the role of the EU with regard to the Taiwan-China Cross Straits relations.

Regional Political and Economic Cooperation in Asia
16 - 17 September 2005
Japanese - German Centre, Berlin, Germany

This scientific conference has been organised by the German Association for Asian Studies. Dr Sebastian Bersick, EIAS Research Fellow, will present a paper entitled "The Value of Regional Cooperation: The example of South East Asia and ASEAN.

Ten Years of ASEM
14 - 15 September 2005,
University of Helsinki, Finland

An International Conference on Achievements and Possibilities of the Asia-Europe Meeting, will be opened by Markus Lyra, Under Secretary of State, ASEM Senior Official, from the Finnish Foreign Ministry.

The EIAS presented a paper, "The ASEM Added Value: Showcasing European Soft Power in the first session of this event.

The 5th Asian International Forum in Fukuoka
August 31 & September 1, 2005 
Hotel Nikko,  Fukuoka, Japan

Theme: Envisioning an "East Asian Community"

Co-sponsored by: Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City, the Organizing Committee of
the Asian International Forum in Fukuoka

Distinguished representatives of think tanks in Asia, EU and US gathered at the 5th Asian International Forum in Fukuoka. At this forum economic experts of leading think tanks involved in governmental policymaking in their respective countries/regions discussed Asia’s present and future developments. 

The EIAS gave a presentation, "The East Asian Summit - towards ever closer cooperation? --  an EU perspective".

EU Constitution and the EU's Pivotal Role
2 - 4 June, 2005
Howard Plaza Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan

Presentation a paper on "The EU Constitution and its Impact on the Politics of Interregional Relations: Strengthening Europe's Role in Asia" at the "International Symposium on the EU Constitutional Treaty and EU's Global Role", organised by the European Union Research Forum, Institute of International Relations, National Chengchi University, Taipei. With a lecture on the outcome of the EU referendums and the implications for EU Asian Co-operation at the Research and Planning Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the Foundation on International and Cross-Strait Studies.

Lecture and Simulation
6 - 8 June, 2005
Clingendael, Netherlands Institute for International Relations in The Hague

On 6 June the EIAS gave a lecture on "The Future of ASEM Dialogue" within the framework of a course in Strategic Planning and Foreign Policy for Senior Diplomats from Indonesia.

Video Conference
1 March 2005, European Parliament, Brussels

A Video Conference between Mr. Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and leading European Parliamentarians and Media on issues related to Taiwan, cross-strait relations and E.U.-Taiwan relations.

Post -Tsunami Relief, Reconstruction and Development: What can the EU do?
Venue: Room 70, The European Economic and Social Committee
99 rue Belliard, B-1040, Brussels
Date :  15h00 - 17h30 Wednesday, January 19, 2005

The short, medium and long-term consequences of this horrendous natural disaster across Asia and Africa are far-reaching. A number of international and regional initiatives are taking place to provide a situation analysis and respond appropriately to the region's needs. International support, including from the people and governments of the European Union, has been generous and unprecedented.

In light of these developments a number of questions must be addressed:
Will the generous humanitarian assistance offered by the EU be followed up with adequate long-term support to rebuild shattered communities and provide them the means to regain their livelihoods?

What needs to be done to ensure an effective long-term approach from the EU?

EU-China? Ever Closer Cooperation?
December 9th 2004, Residence Palace, Brussels

The EU’s relations with China have greatly intensified since the early 1990s, through trade and investment, reinforced through the European Commission’s communications calling for a deeper engagement between the EU and China. The EU has sought to develop its engagement with China through numerous cooperation initiatives across a number of fields, in particular trade, investment, development, science and technology, political dialogue, governance and civil society and cultural exchange.

The search for an ‘Ever Closer Cooperation’ appears to be one of the leitmotivs in the construction of the EU-China relation.

In recognition of this fact the European Office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the Brussels Office of the Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, the European Institute for Asian Studies, and the European Policy Centre will hold this conference.

Asia-Europe Young Leaders Symposium 8
29 November – 3 December 2004, The Hague, the Netherlands

The annual Asia-Europe Young Leaders Symposium (AEYLS) originated from a proposal made under the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) dialogue process to establish an exchange programme for young leaders to strengthen cultural links and mutual understanding between Asia and Europe.

Taiwan-China Cross-Straits Relations: Outlook for Regional Security in East Asia
23 November 2004,Institut d’études Politiques, Paris
25 November 2004, Centre For East Asian Studies, Madrid

A Multi-level Conference co-organised by, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels Asia-Europe Centre - Institut d’Etudes Politiques, Paris Centre for East Asian Studies, Universidad Autonoma Madrid

EU-Indonesia Relations: Stability and Prosperity in South East Asia
Round-Table Briefing and Discussion
Résidence Palace, Brussels, Monday 8th November 2004

The EU attaches great importance to the continuing consolidation of democracy in Indonesia under the newly elected President Yudhoyono. As a democratic country with the world's largest Muslim population, Indonesia is a key ally of the EU in promoting equitable, representative and secular governance. The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) and the European Policy Centre (EPC) are honoured to invite you to a round-table briefing on Monday 8th November in which four prominent Indonesian figures will address these and other important issues.

Global Organisation for Persons of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
October 4, 2004, Brussels

This event launched a European-Indian Chamber of Commerce. The event was co-sponsored by GOPIO and the Mission of India to the European Union. Amongst the speakers was Mr Malcolm Subhan, Vice-Chairman EIAS. He focused on the question how GOPIO could play a role on ensuring an informed debate about the mutual gains of outsourcing in the services sector.

European Union-India-United States Trialogue
30th of September 2004, Brussels

The European Institute for Asian Studies, jointly with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Hanns Seidel Stiftung, will be organising a European Union-India-United States trialogue on the 30th of September 2004 in Brussels on the eve of the EU-India summit to take place in Den Haag mid-October. Updated with Presentations and Photographs

The Fourth Asian International Forum
1 - 2 September 2002

Fukuoka, Japan

Dr Willem van der Geest, EIAS Director, gave a presentation, Should the EU Share Benefits of Globalisation Through FTA's? at this event.

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Completing The Triangle - East Asia, EU and the US: Recent Developments, Challenges, and Prospects for Inter-Regional Cooperation
Munich, Brussels and Lisbon
5-10 September 2004

EIAS is attending this conference and presenting academic summaries in the final session.

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Modern South Asia Conference
6-10 July, Lund, Sweeden


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Connecting Civil Societies
16-18 June, Barcelona

EIAS is hosting a workshop at this conference: International Relations, Regionalism Processes and Security Issues.

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Trading in Services from South Asia: a new source of growth?
10-11 May 2004, Palais d'Egmont, Brussels

EIAS organised this regional workshop as part of the World Bank ABCDE Conference.

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EU-India: Beyond the New Delhi Summit
4 December 2003, Crown Plaza Hotel, Brussels

A one-day conference examining the outcome of the EU-India New Delhi Summit, and future prospects of EU-India relations. Co-organised by EIAS and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Speakers and chairs include MJ Akbar, Maj-Gen (retd) Dipanker Banerjee, John Walls Cushnahan MEP, Neena Gill MEP, Dr Ranjani Kumari, Laurence Argimon-Pistre, Professor Dr Günter Rinsche, Professor Gurharpal Singh, and Malcom Subhan.

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Building a New Era of Partnership: EU-Korea Relations, 1963-2003
26 November 2003, Cercle Royal Gaulois, Brussels

A one-day conference marking 40 years of EU-Korean relations. Co-organised by EIAS and the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP).

Full Conference Report and Papers

Asia-Europe Consultative Seminar with Civil Society
17-18 November, Brussels

The European Commission is organising this Consultative Seminar in Brussels to bring together non-state actors from Asia and Europe to exchange views on how the civil society dialogue of both regions can be enhanced, and how ASEM can promote this dialogue. EIAS will be attending and reporting on this seminar, and EIAS Director Dr Willem van der Geest will chair a session.

Full Conference Report and Papers

EU-China: Implications Of The Beijing Summit
6 November 2003, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Brussels

Co-organised by EIAS and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
 
Full Conference Report and Papers

Taiwan and China in the Global Communities
17 October 2003, SOAS, London; and Tuesday 21 October 2003, IIAS, Leiden

Full Conference Report and Papers

Economic and Political Impact of The Iraq War on Asia
3 April 2003, European Parliament, Brussels

A Round Table organised with the kind collaboration of Mr John Cushnahan MEP.

Full Conference Report and Papers

Round Table on European Security
11 March 2003, Foundation Universitaire, Brussels

With the participation of a high level official delegation from the People’s Liberation Army of China and Dr Jamie Shea, Director of Information, NATO.

Full Conference Report and Papers

EU-Thailand Think Tank Meeting
28 January 2003, EIAS, Brussels

Full Conference Report and Papers

The Fourth EU-ASEAN Think Tank Dialogue in Brussels
25-26 November 2002, European Parliament, Brussels

Keynote Address: H.E. Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, Director General of the WTO.  Co-organised by EIAS and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, in collaboration with the Inter Parliamentary Delegation for Relations with ASEAN.

Full Conference Report and Papers

Exploring Federalism and Integration: EU, Taiwan, China and Korea
25-27 October 2002, Japanese-German Centre, Freie Universität, Berlin

The conference assessed the relevance of experiences in federalism and integration for the resolution of tensions in East Asia, with a focus on the Korean Peninsula and China-Taiwan. The programme outline of the conference identifies four specific cohesive processes which may reduce tensions: Institution building, Trade and Investment articulation, Culture and Value exchanges and Leadership.

Two further sessions will examine the Korean sunshine policy and the 'new politics' between China and Taiwan from these angles. The conference will follow-up the findings of the conference.

Organised by the European Alliance for Asian Studies in collaboration with Kyunghee University, Seoul.

Full Conference Report and Papers

The EU's Future Relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: A High Level Seminar
15 October 2002, European Parliament, Brussels

Full Conference Report and Papers

Europe-Asia After the 11th of September: Asia Update by the Strategic Alliance for Asian Studies
6-7 May 2002, Brussels

The European Union has engaged in a very rapid response to the attacks on targets in the United States on the 11th of September. These responses included a comprehensive support for the global coalition against terrorism as well as a number of specific initiative to address threats within Europe.

These included the EU arrest warrant, actions to fight money laundering and illicit financing of terrorism, a ban on organisations linked to Al-Qaeda as well as the military support for the war in Afghanistan.

The international conference will assess how these developments are affecting the relations between the European Union and Asia.

Full Conference Report and Papers

The ASEM Process: Consultative Forum for ASEM IV
6-7 May 2002, Brussels

The Consultative Forum on ASEM IV seeks to inform the ASEM IV summit, which is going to take place in Copenhagen in September 2002. The Forum brought together more than 75 participants, including representatives of civil society from both Europe and Asia, as well as officials and representative of the business sector; almost 40 participants from NGOs, trade unions and the academic world took part to the Forum.

All Asian member countries were represented, as well as 10 EU Member States. It gave trades unions and NGOs the opportunity to exchange views on how the Asia-Europe civil society dialogue can be intensified, and how a stronger social dimension in ASEM can be jointly promoted.

Co-organised by EIAS and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

Full Conference Report (pdf)