
2006 Events
List of Events
List of Events
2006.12.19.China and the Dutch Economy
2006.12.01.International Conference on the EU’s Relations with Taiwan and China
2006.11.29.The Challenge of Corporate Social Responsibility in India
2006.11.23.Mongolia: From Chinggis Khaan to ASEM
2006.11.20.The Impact of Soft Power on the EU’s Relations with East Asia
2006.11.15.The Taiwanese Economy and Cross-Strait Business
2006.11.08. EU-Asia Corporate Responsibility Research Agenda
2006.10.30-31. 8th Europe-East Asia Think Tank Dialogue
2006.10.26.Outlook and Perspectives for Taiwan
2006.10.17.Developments Strategies in Asia
2006.10.10-11.Regional Cooperation: Experience in Europe & Practice in East Asia
2006.10.03.East Timor - Recent Political Developments
2006.09.23-24.China and the EU: the Building of a Strategic Partnership
2006.09.23.Prospects for China-EU-US Cooperation on Strategic & Global Issues
2006.09.21-22. The World Forum on China Studies
2006.09.19. EU - India: Pluralism and Diversity
2006.09.14. EU-Asia: Perspectives Political & Security Policy in a Global Context
2006.09.11. Global Terrorism and Security
2006.09.07-08. ASEM@10: Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe
2006.09.03-06. Asia-Europe Peoples’ Forum 6
2006.08.31. Trade Unions - The Missing Link in the ASEM Structure?
2006.07.17-27. ASEF Lecture Tour
2006.07.11-12. EU-China: Strategic Partnership Towards Developing Countries
2006.06.27-30. European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies
2006.06.28-30. First ANERI Workshop
2006.06.26-27. EU-Asia Relations: Cooperation on Regional Security & Integration
2006.06.20. Under the Surface of the Six-Party Talks:
2006.06.15. Lecture and Simulation
2006.06.09-11. EU Enlargement and Global Political Economy
2006.06.01. Conflict Resolution in Sri Lanka:
2006.05.10-11. China Business Congress 2006
2006.05.10. Local Democracy in India and China
2006.05.04. China Policy Competencies in New EU Member States
2006.04.26. China’s Foreign Policy: An Exchange of Views
2006.04.20. China’s Japan Problem: Are we headed for Confrontation?
2006.04.11. EU’s Policy Framework for East Asia
2006.04.06-07.Conference on Request of EU-Japan 2005 Summit
2006.04.05. Japanese Trade Policy: Towards Economic Partnership?
2006.03.29. The Burma/Myanmar Forum 2006
2006.03.28. The EU-US-China Strategic Grand Triangle
2006.03.21-23. Asian Economic Development and the European Union
2006.03.20. Course in International Relations and Diplomatic Practice
2006.03.16. Amartya Sen Lecture Series
2006.03.13-15. From Hanoi to Helsinki: Social Aspects in the ASEM Process
2006.03.12-14. Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF)
2006.03.09. Cartoons and Freedoms - The Perspectives of an Indonesian Editor
2006.03.08. Reg. Integration, Globalisation & National Cohesion in Europe & Asia
2006.03.07. Visiting Delegation from Pakistan
2006.03.03. Developing European Security Perspectives on China
2006.02.21. Review of Governance in Asia
2006.01.26. 10 Years of European Union Election Observation Missions to Asia
2006.01.20-21. The Great Wall of China. How can Europe get across?
2006.01.14-02.05. Exhibition: From Beijing Back Home
2006.01.12. The Future of Japan-Europe Relations and their impact on the Security Environment in East Asia
2006.12.01.International Conference on the EU’s Relations with Taiwan and China
2006.11.29.The Challenge of Corporate Social Responsibility in India
2006.11.23.Mongolia: From Chinggis Khaan to ASEM
2006.11.20.The Impact of Soft Power on the EU’s Relations with East Asia
2006.11.15.The Taiwanese Economy and Cross-Strait Business
2006.11.08. EU-Asia Corporate Responsibility Research Agenda
2006.10.30-31. 8th Europe-East Asia Think Tank Dialogue
2006.10.26.Outlook and Perspectives for Taiwan
2006.10.17.Developments Strategies in Asia
2006.10.10-11.Regional Cooperation: Experience in Europe & Practice in East Asia
2006.10.03.East Timor - Recent Political Developments
2006.09.23-24.China and the EU: the Building of a Strategic Partnership
2006.09.23.Prospects for China-EU-US Cooperation on Strategic & Global Issues
2006.09.21-22. The World Forum on China Studies
2006.09.19. EU - India: Pluralism and Diversity
2006.09.14. EU-Asia: Perspectives Political & Security Policy in a Global Context
2006.09.11. Global Terrorism and Security
2006.09.07-08. ASEM@10: Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe
2006.09.03-06. Asia-Europe Peoples’ Forum 6
2006.08.31. Trade Unions - The Missing Link in the ASEM Structure?
2006.07.17-27. ASEF Lecture Tour
2006.07.11-12. EU-China: Strategic Partnership Towards Developing Countries
2006.06.27-30. European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies
2006.06.28-30. First ANERI Workshop
2006.06.26-27. EU-Asia Relations: Cooperation on Regional Security & Integration
2006.06.20. Under the Surface of the Six-Party Talks:
2006.06.15. Lecture and Simulation
2006.06.09-11. EU Enlargement and Global Political Economy
2006.06.01. Conflict Resolution in Sri Lanka:
2006.05.10-11. China Business Congress 2006
2006.05.10. Local Democracy in India and China
2006.05.04. China Policy Competencies in New EU Member States
2006.04.26. China’s Foreign Policy: An Exchange of Views
2006.04.20. China’s Japan Problem: Are we headed for Confrontation?
2006.04.11. EU’s Policy Framework for East Asia
2006.04.06-07.Conference on Request of EU-Japan 2005 Summit
2006.04.05. Japanese Trade Policy: Towards Economic Partnership?
2006.03.29. The Burma/Myanmar Forum 2006
2006.03.28. The EU-US-China Strategic Grand Triangle
2006.03.21-23. Asian Economic Development and the European Union
2006.03.20. Course in International Relations and Diplomatic Practice
2006.03.16. Amartya Sen Lecture Series
2006.03.13-15. From Hanoi to Helsinki: Social Aspects in the ASEM Process
2006.03.12-14. Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF)
2006.03.09. Cartoons and Freedoms - The Perspectives of an Indonesian Editor
2006.03.08. Reg. Integration, Globalisation & National Cohesion in Europe & Asia
2006.03.07. Visiting Delegation from Pakistan
2006.03.03. Developing European Security Perspectives on China
2006.02.21. Review of Governance in Asia
2006.01.26. 10 Years of European Union Election Observation Missions to Asia
2006.01.20-21. The Great Wall of China. How can Europe get across?
2006.01.14-02.05. Exhibition: From Beijing Back Home
2006.01.12. The Future of Japan-Europe Relations and their impact on the Security Environment in East Asia
19 December, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Venue: European Institute for Asian Studies
Speakers: Dr. Wim Suyker, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis
Dr. Henri de Groot, Department of Spatial Economics of Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Dr. Wim Suyker of the CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis and Dr. Henri de Groot of the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam to its premises for a discussion of their recent CPB report entitled “China and the Dutch Economy: Stylised Facts and Prospects”.
More information
Photos of the Event
Venue: European Institute for Asian Studies
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Speakers: Dr. Wim Suyker, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis
Dr. Henri de Groot, Department of Spatial Economics of Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Dr. Wim Suyker of the CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis and Dr. Henri de Groot of the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam to its premises for a discussion of their recent CPB report entitled “China and the Dutch Economy: Stylised Facts and Prospects”.
More information
Photos of the Event
1-2 December 2006
Taipei
The international conference at the Academia Sinica was organized by the Institute of European and American Studies (Academia Sinica). In five panels (The EU Model and Cross-Strait Relations; The EU Prospects of Cross-Strait Relations; The Role of EU in Cross-Strait Relations; Lessons of the EU Model for China; EU–China Relations and Antidumping) the European and Taiwanese Scholars presented eleven papers. Dr Sebastian Bersick had been invited to present a paper on the topic of “The Role of Taiwan in the EU’s East Asia Strategy”.
See the Conference agenda (pdf)
Taipei
The international conference at the Academia Sinica was organized by the Institute of European and American Studies (Academia Sinica). In five panels (The EU Model and Cross-Strait Relations; The EU Prospects of Cross-Strait Relations; The Role of EU in Cross-Strait Relations; Lessons of the EU Model for China; EU–China Relations and Antidumping) the European and Taiwanese Scholars presented eleven papers. Dr Sebastian Bersick had been invited to present a paper on the topic of “The Role of Taiwan in the EU’s East Asia Strategy”.
See the Conference agenda (pdf)
29 November, 2006 EIAS,
Brussels from 12h30 - 14h30
Speaker: Dr C.S. Venkata Ratnam, Director, International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi
Chair: Mr. Joern Keck, Former Deputy Director General, DG Enterprise & Member of the Administrative Board, EIAS
Discussant: Mr. Bo Jonsson, Member of the Administrative Board, EIAS
This March, the European Commission published a new communication on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the aim of making Europe a pole of excellence on CSR. In the context of our globalising world, faced with ever-increasing societal challenges such as how to achieve sustainable development, economic growth and social stability, engaging the corporate community outside the EU is of increasing importance. How can Europe work together with external partners to promote better corporate responsibility worldwide?
More Information
Photos of the Event
Brussels from 12h30 - 14h30
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Speaker: Dr C.S. Venkata Ratnam, Director, International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi
Chair: Mr. Joern Keck, Former Deputy Director General, DG Enterprise & Member of the Administrative Board, EIAS
Discussant: Mr. Bo Jonsson, Member of the Administrative Board, EIAS
This March, the European Commission published a new communication on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the aim of making Europe a pole of excellence on CSR. In the context of our globalising world, faced with ever-increasing societal challenges such as how to achieve sustainable development, economic growth and social stability, engaging the corporate community outside the EU is of increasing importance. How can Europe work together with external partners to promote better corporate responsibility worldwide?
More Information
Photos of the Event
23 November, 2006
EIAS, Brussels
On The Occasion Of The 800th Anniversary Of The Foundation Of
The Great Mongol State
Co-organised by: The European Commission, The Mission of Mongolia to the European Union.
Moderated and hosted by: The European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), in collaboration with the European Commission and the Mission of Mongolia to the European Union, is honoured to welcome a distinguished panel of speakers to its premises for a discussion and analysis of contemporary EU-Mongolia relations.
Against the background of this year’s 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood and the role that Chinggis Khaan has played in the Asia-Europe relationship, the Luncheon Briefing will focus on Mongolia’s external relations.
The presentations of the seven panelists discussed Mongolia’s ongoing integration into the East Asian region and Mongolia’s new role as a participant in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process.
Mongolian Cultural Evening
European Commission, Berlaymont Building
6 December 2006 at 18.00 hrs
An Evening Cultural Event will celebrate Mongolia’s 800th anniversary of statehood and Mongolia’s joining of the ASEM process. Following the opening address by Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner, a paintings exhibition of contemporary Mongolian art will be officially opened by H.E. Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. A Mongolian live music performance, Mongolian delicacies, a selection of Mongolian cashmere products and a Mongolian movie will open a unique window to a country that is still little known to the West.
More information
Photos of the Event
EIAS, Brussels
 |  |
On The Occasion Of The 800th Anniversary Of The Foundation Of
The Great Mongol State
Co-organised by: The European Commission, The Mission of Mongolia to the European Union.
Moderated and hosted by: The European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), in collaboration with the European Commission and the Mission of Mongolia to the European Union, is honoured to welcome a distinguished panel of speakers to its premises for a discussion and analysis of contemporary EU-Mongolia relations.
Against the background of this year’s 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood and the role that Chinggis Khaan has played in the Asia-Europe relationship, the Luncheon Briefing will focus on Mongolia’s external relations.
The presentations of the seven panelists discussed Mongolia’s ongoing integration into the East Asian region and Mongolia’s new role as a participant in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process.
Mongolian Cultural Evening
European Commission, Berlaymont Building
6 December 2006 at 18.00 hrs
An Evening Cultural Event will celebrate Mongolia’s 800th anniversary of statehood and Mongolia’s joining of the ASEM process. Following the opening address by Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner, a paintings exhibition of contemporary Mongolian art will be officially opened by H.E. Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. A Mongolian live music performance, Mongolian delicacies, a selection of Mongolian cashmere products and a Mongolian movie will open a unique window to a country that is still little known to the West.
More information
Photos of the Event
20 November 2006
Dr Sebastian Bersick was been invited by the Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Bristol, UK, to give a lecture on the topic “The Impact of Soft Power on the EU’s Relations with East Asia”. The lecture was been part of the Centre for East Asian Studies Seminar Series 2006-2007.
More information
Dr Sebastian Bersick was been invited by the Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Bristol, UK, to give a lecture on the topic “The Impact of Soft Power on the EU’s Relations with East Asia”. The lecture was been part of the Centre for East Asian Studies Seminar Series 2006-2007.
More information
15 November, 2006
Speakers: Mr Guy Wittich, Chief Executive Officer, European Chamber of Commerce Taipei
Mr Ralf Scheller, Chairman, ECCT & Managing Director, TUV Rheinland Taiwan
Chair: Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Senior Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Guy Wittich and Mr Ralf Scheller of the European Chamber of Commerce Taipei (ECCT) to its premises for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the Taiwanese economy and cross-Strait business. How will future political developments in Taiwan, both internally and vis-à-vis China, impact the status of the economy? To what extent will this effect European Business in greater China and the East Asian region?
Audio Interview
Photos of the Event
Speakers: Mr Guy Wittich, Chief Executive Officer, European Chamber of Commerce Taipei
Mr Ralf Scheller, Chairman, ECCT & Managing Director, TUV Rheinland Taiwan
Chair: Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Senior Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Guy Wittich and Mr Ralf Scheller of the European Chamber of Commerce Taipei (ECCT) to its premises for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the Taiwanese economy and cross-Strait business. How will future political developments in Taiwan, both internally and vis-à-vis China, impact the status of the economy? To what extent will this effect European Business in greater China and the East Asian region?
Audio Interview
Photos of the Event
8 November 2006
European Institute for Asian Studies
The conference will be 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?
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
European Institute for Asian Studies
The conference will be 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?
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
30 - 31 October, Berlin
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. Panellists included Ambassador Joern Keck, of EIAS offering A new perspective on EU-Japan relations and Dr. Willem van der Geest, EIAS analysing the new discourse for EU-China relations.
Download the Pogramme
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. Panellists included Ambassador Joern Keck, of EIAS offering A new perspective on EU-Japan relations and Dr. Willem van der Geest, EIAS analysing the new discourse for EU-China relations.
Download the Pogramme
26 October, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Speakers: Prof. June Teufel-Dreyer, Professor of Political Science at the University of Miami
Dr. Gary J. Schmitt, Director of the American Enterprise Institute's Program on Advanced Strategic Studies
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Prof. June Teufel-Dreyer and Dr. Gary J. Schmitt to its premises to engage EU officials and analysts in a debate on the EU’s 'One China Policy', in the broader context of China’s political and economic development and its increasing economic and military capabilities. Under what circumstances would EU Member States re-assess their policy-approaches towards Taiwan? The speakers are renowned scholars who have publicly expressed their intellectual support for Taiwan and the importance of ensuring the present ‘status quo’.
More Information
Photos of the Event
Speakers: Prof. June Teufel-Dreyer, Professor of Political Science at the University of Miami
Dr. Gary J. Schmitt, Director of the American Enterprise Institute's Program on Advanced Strategic Studies
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Prof. June Teufel-Dreyer and Dr. Gary J. Schmitt to its premises to engage EU officials and analysts in a debate on the EU’s 'One China Policy', in the broader context of China’s political and economic development and its increasing economic and military capabilities. Under what circumstances would EU Member States re-assess their policy-approaches towards Taiwan? The speakers are renowned scholars who have publicly expressed their intellectual support for Taiwan and the importance of ensuring the present ‘status quo’.
More Information
Photos of the Event
17 October, 2006
Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr., former Secretary-General of ASEAN
Conference Report (pdf)
“Southeast Asia in Search of an ASEAN Community. Insights from the former ASEAN Secretary-General” written by Mr Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr.
Book Review (pdf)
China is spearheading East Asia’s emergence as the world’s fastest growing region and a high-profitability zone with strong demands for European trade, investment and technology. Offering labour and markets, 1.3 billion people, the PRC is becoming the manufacturing workshop of the world.
Its export oriented policy is, however, going to be matched by a more effective domestic policy agenda to bridge the rural - urban gap and to tackle the huge environmental and health problems - one that European businesses and investors could both tap into and contribute to. Similarly, the Indian economy offers many new opportunities for Europe.
Though EU-India bilateral trade constitutes only a quarter of India’s total trade, the EU is India’s biggest partner in development cooperation and the second largest source of foreign direct investment. Yet there are several areas of untapped trade and investment potential for both economies. With over a billion people and a steadily growing economy, India will be an even more attractive export and investment destination for EU businesses in the foreseeable future.
Closing the poverty gap is a government priority, though experiences show that some investments work to the contrary of poverty reduction. Business could see that as a challenge to what a market economy could achieve, even as a case for developing a huge potential market. A comprehensive urban and a rural policy mix are required in India as in China to sustain a poverty reducing strategy. South East Asia has recovered from the Asian Financial crisis only to find that its regional environment is rapidly becoming more competitive, given India and China’s economic and political rise. Development strategies pursued in the region have been characterised by sharply increased inequality.
The FDI from the EU has declined drastically and the urgency for attracting new investment inflows requires a closer integrated production platform. Can EU business stimulate growth and facilitate the much-needed integration in ways compatible with the imperative of creating sustainable development for the ASEAN region? The challenges for Europe are just as great as the opportunities. Businesses have experiences of risks, which require adequate response from the respective governments. Regional cooperation among the countries in Asia can eliminate some risks.
The EU model for cooperation has become attractive to countries across Asia. A more comprehensive development cooperation related to respective countries’ domestic policy agendas rather than solely based on mutual trade or investment interests is desirable. EU support to a domestic development strategy can sustain business ventures better in the long run and bringing in civil society actors would provide for greater legitimacy of this approach.
Several important questions must be addressed:
How may domestic development strategies of Asia affect business opportunities and challenges, advantages and disadvantages?
What can the EU do to encourage a domestic policy agenda consistent with sustainable development objectives?
How can the EU business community respond to domestic policy objectives and how will this affect their competitiveness?
Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr., former Secretary-General of ASEAN
Conference Report (pdf)
“Southeast Asia in Search of an ASEAN Community. Insights from the former ASEAN Secretary-General” written by Mr Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr.
Book Review (pdf)
China is spearheading East Asia’s emergence as the world’s fastest growing region and a high-profitability zone with strong demands for European trade, investment and technology. Offering labour and markets, 1.3 billion people, the PRC is becoming the manufacturing workshop of the world.
Its export oriented policy is, however, going to be matched by a more effective domestic policy agenda to bridge the rural - urban gap and to tackle the huge environmental and health problems - one that European businesses and investors could both tap into and contribute to. Similarly, the Indian economy offers many new opportunities for Europe.
Though EU-India bilateral trade constitutes only a quarter of India’s total trade, the EU is India’s biggest partner in development cooperation and the second largest source of foreign direct investment. Yet there are several areas of untapped trade and investment potential for both economies. With over a billion people and a steadily growing economy, India will be an even more attractive export and investment destination for EU businesses in the foreseeable future.
Closing the poverty gap is a government priority, though experiences show that some investments work to the contrary of poverty reduction. Business could see that as a challenge to what a market economy could achieve, even as a case for developing a huge potential market. A comprehensive urban and a rural policy mix are required in India as in China to sustain a poverty reducing strategy. South East Asia has recovered from the Asian Financial crisis only to find that its regional environment is rapidly becoming more competitive, given India and China’s economic and political rise. Development strategies pursued in the region have been characterised by sharply increased inequality.
The FDI from the EU has declined drastically and the urgency for attracting new investment inflows requires a closer integrated production platform. Can EU business stimulate growth and facilitate the much-needed integration in ways compatible with the imperative of creating sustainable development for the ASEAN region? The challenges for Europe are just as great as the opportunities. Businesses have experiences of risks, which require adequate response from the respective governments. Regional cooperation among the countries in Asia can eliminate some risks.
The EU model for cooperation has become attractive to countries across Asia. A more comprehensive development cooperation related to respective countries’ domestic policy agendas rather than solely based on mutual trade or investment interests is desirable. EU support to a domestic development strategy can sustain business ventures better in the long run and bringing in civil society actors would provide for greater legitimacy of this approach.
Several important questions must be addressed:
How may domestic development strategies of Asia affect business opportunities and challenges, advantages and disadvantages?
What can the EU do to encourage a domestic policy agenda consistent with sustainable development objectives?
How can the EU business community respond to domestic policy objectives and how will this affect their competitiveness?
10-11 October 2006
Beijing
The international conference was organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in cooperation with the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS). Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present a paper on the topic of “Prospects of East Asian Cooperation”.
Beijing
The international conference was organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in cooperation with the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS). Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present a paper on the topic of “Prospects of East Asian Cooperation”.
Tuesday, 3 October, 2006 from 12h00 - 13h30
Speaker: Mr Harold Moucho, Political Advisor to the President of the National Parliament, Timor-Leste
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Discussant: Mr Manuel Schmitz, Member of German Timor-Leste Society and journalist (tbc)
After gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, East Timor is still faces major obstacles to development and the task of bringing about reconciliation amidst brewing unrest. Having successfully wound up its Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) in 2005, the UN Security Council was prompted to set up a new non-military peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT), in 2006 after violence re-erupted in late April.
Clashes involving over a third of the armed forces, who were sacked earlier this year, led over 150,000 people to take refuge in makeshift camps. Prime Minister Alkatiri’s poor handling of the situation eventually forced his resignation and José Ramos-Horta, peace activist and Nobel laureate, was named Prime Minister in July.
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Harold Moucho, invited by the European Union Visitor’s Programme, to its premises to discuss recent political turmoil in East Timor and possible solutions for future stability. After graduating from the University of Technology, Sydney in 1986 with a B.A. in Political Science, Mr. Moucho was elected as Fretilin Representative for Australia and South-East Asia, a position he held until 1999. Since 2001, he has been member of the National Judicial Commission of Fretilin as well as Political Advisor to the President of the National Parliament, Timor-Leste.
Speaker: Mr Harold Moucho, Political Advisor to the President of the National Parliament, Timor-Leste
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Discussant: Mr Manuel Schmitz, Member of German Timor-Leste Society and journalist (tbc)
After gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, East Timor is still faces major obstacles to development and the task of bringing about reconciliation amidst brewing unrest. Having successfully wound up its Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) in 2005, the UN Security Council was prompted to set up a new non-military peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT), in 2006 after violence re-erupted in late April.
Clashes involving over a third of the armed forces, who were sacked earlier this year, led over 150,000 people to take refuge in makeshift camps. Prime Minister Alkatiri’s poor handling of the situation eventually forced his resignation and José Ramos-Horta, peace activist and Nobel laureate, was named Prime Minister in July.
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Harold Moucho, invited by the European Union Visitor’s Programme, to its premises to discuss recent political turmoil in East Timor and possible solutions for future stability. After graduating from the University of Technology, Sydney in 1986 with a B.A. in Political Science, Mr. Moucho was elected as Fretilin Representative for Australia and South-East Asia, a position he held until 1999. Since 2001, he has been member of the National Judicial Commission of Fretilin as well as Political Advisor to the President of the National Parliament, Timor-Leste.
23-24 September 2006
Shanghai
Dr Sebastian Bersick was invited to participate in this informal track-two meeting which was coorganized by the Centre for European Studies at Fudan University and the Shanghai Institute for European Studies. He presented a paper on the topic “Multiregionalism and multilateralism: EU-China relations in a global context”.
The meeting focused on the following questions: What is the basis and scope of this partnership? How are the differences in values and in world perspectives affecting the shaping of such a partnership? How and how much do external factors like relations with the US, Russia etc. come into China-EU relations? What are the scopes and obstacles for the further development of the China-EU economic cooperation, for instance, in the fields of trade, investment, monetary and financial affairs, energy and environment? What are the approaches to raise the profile and improve the perception of each in the other?
Shanghai
Dr Sebastian Bersick was invited to participate in this informal track-two meeting which was coorganized by the Centre for European Studies at Fudan University and the Shanghai Institute for European Studies. He presented a paper on the topic “Multiregionalism and multilateralism: EU-China relations in a global context”.
The meeting focused on the following questions: What is the basis and scope of this partnership? How are the differences in values and in world perspectives affecting the shaping of such a partnership? How and how much do external factors like relations with the US, Russia etc. come into China-EU relations? What are the scopes and obstacles for the further development of the China-EU economic cooperation, for instance, in the fields of trade, investment, monetary and financial affairs, energy and environment? What are the approaches to raise the profile and improve the perception of each in the other?
Beijing
23 Sept 2006
The project aims to explore areas of consensus and differences on strategic issues; to assess whether the shifting power relations between the three polities can be moulded into strategic relationships jointly able to address global challenges; and to seek to establish common ground for policy recommendations on cooperation to the respective governments.
Further to the high-level workshop/roundtable in Beijing on 22-23 September/2006 it is foreseen that round tables in Brussels and Washington will be held to examine the scope for tri-lateral cooperation on specific issues. At the workshop a framework for identifying the asymmetries and incompatibilities was developed, as well as a discussion of values, norms and preferences. The Round Table also identified a preliminary list of 15 issues of common interest, distinguishing between issues where immediate progress seemed feasible and those for which progress might be feasible in a medium term perspective.
The initial Round Table was co-organised by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute for European Studies, Beijing with the Atlantic Council of the US, Washington DC and the European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Conference Programme (pdf)
Presentation (pdf)
23 Sept 2006
The project aims to explore areas of consensus and differences on strategic issues; to assess whether the shifting power relations between the three polities can be moulded into strategic relationships jointly able to address global challenges; and to seek to establish common ground for policy recommendations on cooperation to the respective governments.
Further to the high-level workshop/roundtable in Beijing on 22-23 September/2006 it is foreseen that round tables in Brussels and Washington will be held to examine the scope for tri-lateral cooperation on specific issues. At the workshop a framework for identifying the asymmetries and incompatibilities was developed, as well as a discussion of values, norms and preferences. The Round Table also identified a preliminary list of 15 issues of common interest, distinguishing between issues where immediate progress seemed feasible and those for which progress might be feasible in a medium term perspective.
The initial Round Table was co-organised by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute for European Studies, Beijing with the Atlantic Council of the US, Washington DC and the European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Conference Programme (pdf)
Presentation (pdf)
21-22 September 2006, Shanghai
The 2nd World Forum on China Studies dealt with China’s reemergence as a major world player and the implications for 1. China’s values and world norms, 2. China’s international role, 3. China’s assimilation with the world community and 4. China’s international image. Dr Sebastian Bersick participated in the panel on “China’s Peaceful Development and the International System” which was coorganised by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and the School of International Relations, Beijing University.
Download the conference agenda (pdf)
The 2nd World Forum on China Studies dealt with China’s reemergence as a major world player and the implications for 1. China’s values and world norms, 2. China’s international role, 3. China’s assimilation with the world community and 4. China’s international image. Dr Sebastian Bersick participated in the panel on “China’s Peaceful Development and the International System” which was coorganised by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and the School of International Relations, Beijing University.
Download the conference agenda (pdf)
19 September, 2006
Speaker: Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir to its premises to speak on the implications of the pluralism and diversity that characterises India as well as the EU.
More Information
Photos of the Event
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Speaker: Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir to its premises to speak on the implications of the pluralism and diversity that characterises India as well as the EU.
More Information
Photos of the Event
Special Briefing: EU-Asia Relations: Perspectives of Political and Security Policy in a Global Context
14 September, 2006 at the FES office, Rue du Taciturne 38, 1000 Brussels
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the European Institute for Asian Studies, on behalf of the European Alliance for Asian Studies, co-organised this event which brought together researchers from Asia and Europe, as well as representatives of the EU institutions. The participants discussed, inter alia, to what extent the concept of multiregionalism operates in the context of EU-Asian affairs and how this relationship can contribute to achieving European security objectives.
In his key note address Mr. Hervé Jouanjean, Deputy Director General, European Commission, DG RELEX, focused on the growing need for intra-regional and inter-regional cooperation and its implications for EU-Asia cooperation. Download the programme (pdf)
The workshop was followed by a public forum. Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Prof. Wim Stokhof and Dr. Paul van der Velde of the European Alliance of Asian Studies presented their latest book on ”Multiregionalism and Multilateralism: Asian-European Relations in a Global Context”. The following discussion was initiated by a keynote speech by Fan Weimin, Political Counsellor, Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the EU.
Order the book here
More information
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the European Institute for Asian Studies, on behalf of the European Alliance for Asian Studies, co-organised this event which brought together researchers from Asia and Europe, as well as representatives of the EU institutions. The participants discussed, inter alia, to what extent the concept of multiregionalism operates in the context of EU-Asian affairs and how this relationship can contribute to achieving European security objectives.
In his key note address Mr. Hervé Jouanjean, Deputy Director General, European Commission, DG RELEX, focused on the growing need for intra-regional and inter-regional cooperation and its implications for EU-Asia cooperation. Download the programme (pdf)
The workshop was followed by a public forum. Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Prof. Wim Stokhof and Dr. Paul van der Velde of the European Alliance of Asian Studies presented their latest book on ”Multiregionalism and Multilateralism: Asian-European Relations in a Global Context”. The following discussion was initiated by a keynote speech by Fan Weimin, Political Counsellor, Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the EU.
Order the book here
More information
Monday, 11 September, 2006 from 13h00 – 14h30
EIAS, Brussels
Speaker: Mr. Sachin Pilot, Member of Parliament, Congress Party, India
Chair: Mr Malcolm Subhan, Vice-Chair, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Sachin Pilot to its premises to speak on global terrorism and security on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Mr Pilot recently travelled with an Indian parliamentary delegation to the U.S., where he had the opportunity to discuss inter alia with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Deputy National Security Adviser J.D. Crouch, the Council on Foreign Relations, the US India Business Council, the National Endowment
for Democracy, and members of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.
Sachin Pilot, son of the late Congress leader Rajesh Pilot, was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha (Lower House) from the Dausa Parliamentary Constituency of Rajasthan in May 2004, becoming the youngest Member of Parliament in India at the age of 26. Conscious of his prominent political heritage, his aim is to bring greater accountability and transparency into the Indian system. He is actively engaged in improving the circumstances of farmers and laborers in his country by spreading a message of communal harmony, social justice and empowerment and is working to inculcate a sense of social and political responsibility amongst the youth that live in the rural and semi-urban areas.
Additionally, he maintains a keen interest in the affairs of Kashmir and the North-East. A graduate of New Delhi’s Air Force School, Sachin Pilot has a B.A. degree from St. Stephens College, Delhi University and has worked as an intern for the BBC’s New Delhi Bureau and for two and a half years at General Motors before studying for an MBA at the prestigious Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania.
Listen to an interview with the Speaker (Mp3)
Photos of the Event
EIAS, Brussels
Speaker: Mr. Sachin Pilot, Member of Parliament, Congress Party, India
Chair: Mr Malcolm Subhan, Vice-Chair, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Sachin Pilot to its premises to speak on global terrorism and security on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Mr Pilot recently travelled with an Indian parliamentary delegation to the U.S., where he had the opportunity to discuss inter alia with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Deputy National Security Adviser J.D. Crouch, the Council on Foreign Relations, the US India Business Council, the National Endowment
for Democracy, and members of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.
Sachin Pilot, son of the late Congress leader Rajesh Pilot, was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha (Lower House) from the Dausa Parliamentary Constituency of Rajasthan in May 2004, becoming the youngest Member of Parliament in India at the age of 26. Conscious of his prominent political heritage, his aim is to bring greater accountability and transparency into the Indian system. He is actively engaged in improving the circumstances of farmers and laborers in his country by spreading a message of communal harmony, social justice and empowerment and is working to inculcate a sense of social and political responsibility amongst the youth that live in the rural and semi-urban areas.
Additionally, he maintains a keen interest in the affairs of Kashmir and the North-East. A graduate of New Delhi’s Air Force School, Sachin Pilot has a B.A. degree from St. Stephens College, Delhi University and has worked as an intern for the BBC’s New Delhi Bureau and for two and a half years at General Motors before studying for an MBA at the prestigious Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania.
Listen to an interview with the Speaker (Mp3)
Photos of the Event
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 will gather 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 will be 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.
Other topics for discussion include the state and future of ASEM, how Asia and Europe can contribute to sustainable development and energy security and whether ICT (Information & Communication Technology) can be seen as the new link for unity and cultural communication between Asia and Europe. On day two of the conference, having discussed thematic areas that need action and highlighted challenges/solutions for the inter-sectoral co-operation within civil society, participants will identify specific thematic areas of common ground for possible cooperation.
Senior Officials coming to Helsinki for the ASEM 6 Summit and editors participating in the Editors' Roundtable have been invited to the closing session which will take the form of a high profile public debate on the 8th of September. Additionally, The Asia-Europe Business Forum and Asia-Europe People's Forum will also be represented.
This event is organised by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in collaboration with the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) and Japan Centre for International Exchange (JCIE).
Dr Sebastian Bersick of EIAS will participate in the conference and chair the opening panel on ‘ASEM in its tenth year - looking back, looking forward’.
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 will gather 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 will be 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.
Other topics for discussion include the state and future of ASEM, how Asia and Europe can contribute to sustainable development and energy security and whether ICT (Information & Communication Technology) can be seen as the new link for unity and cultural communication between Asia and Europe. On day two of the conference, having discussed thematic areas that need action and highlighted challenges/solutions for the inter-sectoral co-operation within civil society, participants will identify specific thematic areas of common ground for possible cooperation.
Senior Officials coming to Helsinki for the ASEM 6 Summit and editors participating in the Editors' Roundtable have been invited to the closing session which will take the form of a high profile public debate on the 8th of September. Additionally, The Asia-Europe Business Forum and Asia-Europe People's Forum will also be represented.
This event is organised by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in collaboration with the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) and Japan Centre for International Exchange (JCIE).
Dr Sebastian Bersick of EIAS will participate in the conference and chair the opening panel on ‘ASEM in its tenth year - looking back, looking forward’.
3-6 September, Helsinki
Dr Sebastian Bersick participated as an observer at the forum and made a presentation on the topic “Inter-regionalism and the relationship between the Asia-Europe Meeting and the Asia-Europe Peoples’ Forum”.
Dr Sebastian Bersick participated as an observer at the forum and made a presentation on the topic “Inter-regionalism and the relationship between the Asia-Europe Meeting and the Asia-Europe Peoples’ Forum”.
31 August, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Speaker: Mr Guy Ryder, Secretary General, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies
This September, Asian and European leaders will gather for the 6th ASEM Summit in Helsinki. Amongst the many topical issues for discussion, leaders will try to address questions relating to the Doha Development Agenda, globalisation, competitiveness and structural changes in the global economy.
Is there a role for the ICFTU and other civil society actors in an Asia-Europe dialogue on development, employment and labour issues?
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Guy Ryder, Secretary General of the ICFTU, to its premises to discuss the role of global unions in the ASEM process.
More Information
Photos of the Event
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Speaker: Mr Guy Ryder, Secretary General, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies
This September, Asian and European leaders will gather for the 6th ASEM Summit in Helsinki. Amongst the many topical issues for discussion, leaders will try to address questions relating to the Doha Development Agenda, globalisation, competitiveness and structural changes in the global economy.
Is there a role for the ICFTU and other civil society actors in an Asia-Europe dialogue on development, employment and labour issues?
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Guy Ryder, Secretary General of the ICFTU, to its premises to discuss the role of global unions in the ASEM process.
More Information
Photos of the Event
ASEF Lecture Tour: Making Euro-Asian Soft Power in the 21st Century: Concepts, Constraints and Consequences
July 17-27 2006,
Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited by the Asia-Europe Foundation (Singapore) on a Lecture Tour in Southeast Asia. From July 17 until July 27 Dr Bersick is making presentations in Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Parts of his lecture will be transmitted via video conference across East Asia to also include audiences in Mongolia and e.g. the ASEAN Secretariat.
ASEF Lecture Tours are designed to provide a platform for emerging or well-established "leaders of opinion" of Asian and European civil societies to address an informed audience on issues pertaining to bridging the cultural and civilisational differences between Asia and Europe. Every year, ASEF's Intellectual Exchange Department selects three personalities from each region and organises a tour of the opposite region in partnership with host institutions in the respective countries.
Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited by the Asia-Europe Foundation (Singapore) on a Lecture Tour in Southeast Asia. From July 17 until July 27 Dr Bersick is making presentations in Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Parts of his lecture will be transmitted via video conference across East Asia to also include audiences in Mongolia and e.g. the ASEAN Secretariat.
ASEF Lecture Tours are designed to provide a platform for emerging or well-established "leaders of opinion" of Asian and European civil societies to address an informed audience on issues pertaining to bridging the cultural and civilisational differences between Asia and Europe. Every year, ASEF's Intellectual Exchange Department selects three personalities from each region and organises a tour of the opposite region in partnership with host institutions in the respective countries.
11/12 July 2006,
European Parliament, Brussels
EIAS has co-organised this conference with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Download the Draft Programme (pdf)
Photos of the Event
European Parliament, Brussels
EIAS has co-organised this conference with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Download the Draft Programme (pdf)
Photos of the Event
27-30 June 2006, Leiden, The Netherlands
We have a number of papers from this conference, co-organised by the Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS, University of Leiden) and the European Association for South Asian Studies (EASAS):
Political Economy of Bangladesh (pdf) - A report of panel 47.
Convenors: Dr Willem van der Geest (EIAS, Brussels), Prof Mobasser Monem (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) and Prof Golam Hosain (Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh).
The construction of wellbeing in Bangladesh: a micro-political analysis (pdf) - By Dr Joe Devine
We have a number of papers from this conference, co-organised by the Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS, University of Leiden) and the European Association for South Asian Studies (EASAS):
Political Economy of Bangladesh (pdf) - A report of panel 47.
Convenors: Dr Willem van der Geest (EIAS, Brussels), Prof Mobasser Monem (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) and Prof Golam Hosain (Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh).
The construction of wellbeing in Bangladesh: a micro-political analysis (pdf) - By Dr Joe Devine
28-30 June, 2006
'Bringing together European research on Contemporary India' A public presentation of the Academic Network for European Research on India (ANERI) will take place at the19th European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies (ECMSAS). This international conference is organised by the European Association for South Asian Studies (EASAS) in collaboration with the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at the University of Leiden from 27 to 30th of June 2006.
The time for the plenary presentation is Wednesday evening 28th June from 19:00 to 20:30 at the Lipsius Biulding of the University. The plenary session will be an integral part of the Conference proceedings.
More information
To the Project
'Bringing together European research on Contemporary India' A public presentation of the Academic Network for European Research on India (ANERI) will take place at the19th European Conference on Modern South Asian Studies (ECMSAS). This international conference is organised by the European Association for South Asian Studies (EASAS) in collaboration with the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at the University of Leiden from 27 to 30th of June 2006.
The time for the plenary presentation is Wednesday evening 28th June from 19:00 to 20:30 at the Lipsius Biulding of the University. The plenary session will be an integral part of the Conference proceedings.
More information
To the Project
26-27 June, 2006, European Policy Centre, Brussels
The European Policy Centre, Brussels, and the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (Singapore) co-organized an ASEF Work Shop titled “EU-Asia Relations-Cooperating on Regional Security and Integration”. The workshop brought together leading Asian and European scholars and academics to discuss Asian regional security issues, the state of play of regional integration as well as EU-Asia security co-operation in the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Conference Agenda (pdf)
How do Asia's main political and security actors define their interests in Asian security? How do their bilateral relations shape and influence the security environment in Asia? What are the EU's strategic interests in Asia and how can the EU contribute to regional peace and security more effectively? are some of the questions that have been addressed.
Dr Sebastian Bersick presented a paper on the topic: “The Euro-Asian Experience in Security Cooperation”.
Download Dr Bersick's presentation: pdf or flash
The European Policy Centre, Brussels, and the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (Singapore) co-organized an ASEF Work Shop titled “EU-Asia Relations-Cooperating on Regional Security and Integration”. The workshop brought together leading Asian and European scholars and academics to discuss Asian regional security issues, the state of play of regional integration as well as EU-Asia security co-operation in the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Conference Agenda (pdf)
How do Asia's main political and security actors define their interests in Asian security? How do their bilateral relations shape and influence the security environment in Asia? What are the EU's strategic interests in Asia and how can the EU contribute to regional peace and security more effectively? are some of the questions that have been addressed.
Dr Sebastian Bersick presented a paper on the topic: “The Euro-Asian Experience in Security Cooperation”.
Download Dr Bersick's presentation: pdf or flash
20 June, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Speaker: Dr John S. Park, Project Leader, North Korea Analysis Group, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The North Korean nuclear crisis is a dominant factor in the insecurity perceptions held about Northeast Asia. Although the Six-Party Talks have served as a valuable mechanism for addressing critical issues, no substantial resolution has been found as yet. The parties to the talks all bring differing perspectives, objectives, priorities and approaches to the negotiating table, hindering any substantial breakthroughs or progress. Why? In order to gain a deeper understanding and perspective, diplomatic efforts to broker a solution need to be seen in the context of what goes on behind the scenes.
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Dr John S. Park to speak at its premises. Drawing on research interviews with Chinese, US, South Korean, North Korean, Japanese and Russian government policy advisers, working on their respective country's approach to a resolution, his presentation will provide insights into what has been occurring under the surface of the Six-Party Talks process.
Listen to an interview with the speaker
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Dr John S. Park, Project Leader, North Korea Analysis Group, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The North Korean nuclear crisis is a dominant factor in the insecurity perceptions held about Northeast Asia. Although the Six-Party Talks have served as a valuable mechanism for addressing critical issues, no substantial resolution has been found as yet. The parties to the talks all bring differing perspectives, objectives, priorities and approaches to the negotiating table, hindering any substantial breakthroughs or progress. Why? In order to gain a deeper understanding and perspective, diplomatic efforts to broker a solution need to be seen in the context of what goes on behind the scenes.
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Dr John S. Park to speak at its premises. Drawing on research interviews with Chinese, US, South Korean, North Korean, Japanese and Russian government policy advisers, working on their respective country's approach to a resolution, his presentation will provide insights into what has been occurring under the surface of the Six-Party Talks process.
Listen to an interview with the speaker
Photos of the Event
15 June, 2006
Clingendael, Netherlands Institute for International Relations, The Hague
Dr Bersick has been invited to hold a lecture and to conduct a simulation on the Asia-Europe Meeting. In a first theoretical part he will concentrate on the functioning of the ASEM process. The afternoon session will deal with an interactive scenario exercise.
This day-long meeting is part of a Course in Strategic Planning and Foreign Policy for Senior Diplomats from Indonesia.
Clingendael, Netherlands Institute for International Relations, The Hague
Dr Bersick has been invited to hold a lecture and to conduct a simulation on the Asia-Europe Meeting. In a first theoretical part he will concentrate on the functioning of the ASEM process. The afternoon session will deal with an interactive scenario exercise.
This day-long meeting is part of a Course in Strategic Planning and Foreign Policy for Senior Diplomats from Indonesia.
9-11 June, 2006
Renmin University, Beijing
The Center for European Studies at Renmin University of China and the Centre for Applied Policy Research of the University of Munich, Germany, organize this international conference. The main themes of the conference will include: (1) The enlargement and the EU institutional reform, (2) the enlargement and EU-China relations, (3) the enlargement and the Trans-Atlantic relations.
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present a paper on the topic: “Strategic Impacts of the EU-Enlargement on EU-China Relations”.
Renmin University, Beijing
The Center for European Studies at Renmin University of China and the Centre for Applied Policy Research of the University of Munich, Germany, organize this international conference. The main themes of the conference will include: (1) The enlargement and the EU institutional reform, (2) the enlargement and EU-China relations, (3) the enlargement and the Trans-Atlantic relations.
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present a paper on the topic: “Strategic Impacts of the EU-Enlargement on EU-China Relations”.
Luncheon Briefing: Conflict Resolution in Sri Lanka: Forging a Multiparty Stakeholder Dialogue on Peace Building
Thursday, 1 June, 2006
Speaker: Mr. Janaka Ranatunga, Deputy Director, One-Text Initiative, Sri Lanka
Chair: Mr Malcolm Subhan, Vice-Chair, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr. Janaka Ranatunga to its premises to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka and examine the status of peace building efforts. What opportunities and challenges exist for stakeholders wanting to forge a dialogue for peace? Can different narratives and positions be brought together to create a common approach to the Peace Process?
Mr Ranatunga is Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka One-Text Initiative, a systematic process supporting Sri Lankan peace building by eliciting the underlying interests and needs of multiple parties and people, providing the space (physically and virtually) to jointly explore and develop options. The stakeholders of One Text are representatives from almost all political parties including the government party and the militant group, who are the main protagonists of the conflict, in addition to civil society organizations. All operational, content and policy matters of this Initiative are determined by the participating political parties, organizations and various citizens’ groups. One Text Initiative is the only multi party stakeholder dialogue on peace building at track two level in Sri Lanka.
Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Mr. Janaka Ranatunga, Deputy Director, One-Text Initiative, Sri Lanka
Chair: Mr Malcolm Subhan, Vice-Chair, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr. Janaka Ranatunga to its premises to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka and examine the status of peace building efforts. What opportunities and challenges exist for stakeholders wanting to forge a dialogue for peace? Can different narratives and positions be brought together to create a common approach to the Peace Process?
Mr Ranatunga is Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka One-Text Initiative, a systematic process supporting Sri Lankan peace building by eliciting the underlying interests and needs of multiple parties and people, providing the space (physically and virtually) to jointly explore and develop options. The stakeholders of One Text are representatives from almost all political parties including the government party and the militant group, who are the main protagonists of the conflict, in addition to civil society organizations. All operational, content and policy matters of this Initiative are determined by the participating political parties, organizations and various citizens’ groups. One Text Initiative is the only multi party stakeholder dialogue on peace building at track two level in Sri Lanka.
Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)
Photos of the Event
10 - 11 May 2006
Finance Department of Universiteit Maastricht, Netherlands
Currently, one of the most discussed topics on the global field of economics and business is the emergence of China into an influential economic superpower. The Chinese Business Congress will focus on the future impacts of events taking place in China and how these events influences the European and US market. Furthermore the investment opportunities in China for European investors shall be stressed from both theoretical and practical point of view.
The congress will be a 2-day event and will attract approximately 200 students, academics and business people each day. At the end of the day a forum discussion will take place, so there is an opportunity to have an interactive discussion among the speakers and the audience.
Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, will be the key not speaker. The congress has previously been successful in attracting highly regarded international speakers like the Noble Laureate Harry Markovitz, Elroy Dimson, governor of the London Business School, Werner de Bondt and Norbert Walter, chief economist of Deutsche Bank.
Dr Sebastian Bersick provided a presentation entitled "Living up to new realities: The EU's response to China's rise".
Finance Department of Universiteit Maastricht, Netherlands
Currently, one of the most discussed topics on the global field of economics and business is the emergence of China into an influential economic superpower. The Chinese Business Congress will focus on the future impacts of events taking place in China and how these events influences the European and US market. Furthermore the investment opportunities in China for European investors shall be stressed from both theoretical and practical point of view.
The congress will be a 2-day event and will attract approximately 200 students, academics and business people each day. At the end of the day a forum discussion will take place, so there is an opportunity to have an interactive discussion among the speakers and the audience.
Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, will be the key not speaker. The congress has previously been successful in attracting highly regarded international speakers like the Noble Laureate Harry Markovitz, Elroy Dimson, governor of the London Business School, Werner de Bondt and Norbert Walter, chief economist of Deutsche Bank.
Dr Sebastian Bersick provided a presentation entitled "Living up to new realities: The EU's response to China's rise".
10 May, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Speaker: Dr George Mathew, Director, Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), Delhi
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Dr George Mathew to its premises to examine the development of local democracy in India and China. What opportunities and challenges exist for these two Asian giants as they strive to promote domestic development and reform? Can any comparisons be drawn or lessons gained from individual experiences?
The Institute of Social Sciences is India’s leading research centre on panchayati raj, India’s system of elected local councils, and the impact this has on India’s social development, especially in rural areas. Its findings and recommendations are made available to members of decision-making organisations, such as government bodies, trade unions, people's organisations, corporate bodies and scientific communities, to encourage them to enlarge the options for action.
More information
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Dr George Mathew, Director, Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), Delhi
Chair: Mr Dick Gupwell, Secretary General, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Dr George Mathew to its premises to examine the development of local democracy in India and China. What opportunities and challenges exist for these two Asian giants as they strive to promote domestic development and reform? Can any comparisons be drawn or lessons gained from individual experiences?
The Institute of Social Sciences is India’s leading research centre on panchayati raj, India’s system of elected local councils, and the impact this has on India’s social development, especially in rural areas. Its findings and recommendations are made available to members of decision-making organisations, such as government bodies, trade unions, people's organisations, corporate bodies and scientific communities, to encourage them to enlarge the options for action.
More information
Photos of the Event
Thursday, 4 May, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Speaker: H.E. Mr. Ksawery Burski, Former Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Beijing
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Ksawery Burski to its premises to examine China policy competencies in new EU Member States. To what extent are their policies and strategies convergent with those of the EU-15? Will their links with China and Russia contribute new dimensions to the EU’s partnership with China?
Ambassador Burski joined the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1961, having graduated from the Institute of International Relations in Beijing, completed a Chinese Language course at Beijing University, and finished his postgraduate studies at the Central School of Planning and Statistics, Warsaw. He has served in diplomatic and consular service in Beijing, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and acted as Adviser to the Minister (1989-1991). From 1989-1991, he held the position of Lecturer at the Institute of Oriental Studies of Warsaw University, before becoming Counsellor-Minister Plenipotentiary at the Polish Embassy in Beijing (1991-1994). Prior to his posting in Beijing, he served as Ambassador in Jakarta (1995-1999) and in Singapore (1998-1999).
Listen to the speaker being interviewed by Dr van der Geest
Speaker: H.E. Mr. Ksawery Burski, Former Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Beijing
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Ksawery Burski to its premises to examine China policy competencies in new EU Member States. To what extent are their policies and strategies convergent with those of the EU-15? Will their links with China and Russia contribute new dimensions to the EU’s partnership with China?
Ambassador Burski joined the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1961, having graduated from the Institute of International Relations in Beijing, completed a Chinese Language course at Beijing University, and finished his postgraduate studies at the Central School of Planning and Statistics, Warsaw. He has served in diplomatic and consular service in Beijing, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and acted as Adviser to the Minister (1989-1991). From 1989-1991, he held the position of Lecturer at the Institute of Oriental Studies of Warsaw University, before becoming Counsellor-Minister Plenipotentiary at the Polish Embassy in Beijing (1991-1994). Prior to his posting in Beijing, he served as Ambassador in Jakarta (1995-1999) and in Singapore (1998-1999).
Listen to the speaker being interviewed by Dr van der Geest
26 April, 2006 from 10:00 - 12:00
Speaker: Dr Ruan Zongze, Vice President, China Institute of International Studies, Beijing
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Discussant: Mr. Stanley Crossick, Founding Chairman, European Policy Centre
As China continues its steady march towards economic development and prosperity, its role and responsibility as an influential player on the international stage has increased. Globalisation, growing interdependence, regional integration and new global challenges amongst others all affect China’s outward orientation and the formulation of its foreign policy.
The manner in which China chooses to pursue its external relations will have major economic, political and security implications for the world, generating both opportunities and challenges. Yet what are the underlying strategic interests and objectives behind said policy?
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Dr Ruan Zongze to its premises for an exchange of views on the current status of Chinese foreign policy - the evolution, the rationale, the implications and consequences thereof.
More Information
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Dr Ruan Zongze, Vice President, China Institute of International Studies, Beijing
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Discussant: Mr. Stanley Crossick, Founding Chairman, European Policy Centre
As China continues its steady march towards economic development and prosperity, its role and responsibility as an influential player on the international stage has increased. Globalisation, growing interdependence, regional integration and new global challenges amongst others all affect China’s outward orientation and the formulation of its foreign policy.
The manner in which China chooses to pursue its external relations will have major economic, political and security implications for the world, generating both opportunities and challenges. Yet what are the underlying strategic interests and objectives behind said policy?
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Dr Ruan Zongze to its premises for an exchange of views on the current status of Chinese foreign policy - the evolution, the rationale, the implications and consequences thereof.
More Information
Photos of the Event
Thursday, 20 April, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Speaker: Dr Yang Jian, Senior Research Associate, Asian Century Institute, London
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The emergence of a new strategic balance in Asia as a result of China's rise looks set to create new pressures on Sino-Japanese relations. Many Chinese analysts are pessimistic about relations in the medium term, having discarded their hope that the bilateral relationship would improve once the 'Yasukuni-obsessed prime minister' leaves office in late 2006. With the possibility that an even more overtly nationalist prime minister will succeed Koizumi, some in China expect a decade of frequent frictions between the two countries.
China and Japan between them account for the most powerful military machines in the world after the USA and the two countries are the richest in the world in terms of hard currency reserves. The steady souring of Sino-Japanese relations since 1995 has been accompanied by, and in part caused by, the more outward reorientation of Japan's security policy and China's continued military modernisation. There is growing suspicion and resentment on both sides. What is the prognosis in the short term? What events could spark a crisis?
More information
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Dr Yang Jian, Senior Research Associate, Asian Century Institute, London
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The emergence of a new strategic balance in Asia as a result of China's rise looks set to create new pressures on Sino-Japanese relations. Many Chinese analysts are pessimistic about relations in the medium term, having discarded their hope that the bilateral relationship would improve once the 'Yasukuni-obsessed prime minister' leaves office in late 2006. With the possibility that an even more overtly nationalist prime minister will succeed Koizumi, some in China expect a decade of frequent frictions between the two countries.
China and Japan between them account for the most powerful military machines in the world after the USA and the two countries are the richest in the world in terms of hard currency reserves. The steady souring of Sino-Japanese relations since 1995 has been accompanied by, and in part caused by, the more outward reorientation of Japan's security policy and China's continued military modernisation. There is growing suspicion and resentment on both sides. What is the prognosis in the short term? What events could spark a crisis?
More information
Photos of the Event
11 April 2006
On April 11, Dr Willem van der Geest presented a lecture on EU's policy framework for East Asia in Athens at the Institute for International Economic Relations.
On April 11, Dr Willem van der Geest presented a lecture on EU's policy framework for East Asia in Athens at the Institute for International Economic Relations.
6-7 April 2006
Following up the request of the EU-Japan 2005 summit, a high-level symposium in Brussels examined key agenda items ahead of the EU-Japan 2006 summit.
Dr van der Geest was co-chair and rapporteur on the second panel, focusing on cooperation in the field of energy saving and sustainable development.
Read the report (pdf).
Following up the request of the EU-Japan 2005 summit, a high-level symposium in Brussels examined key agenda items ahead of the EU-Japan 2006 summit.
Dr van der Geest was co-chair and rapporteur on the second panel, focusing on cooperation in the field of energy saving and sustainable development.
Read the report (pdf).
5 April, 2006
EIAS Brussels
Speaker: Prof. Yorizumi Watanabe, Professor of International Political Economy, Keio University, Japan
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
East Asia is emerging as a dynamic regional entity - with economic integration producing high profitability and growth rates, the region is beginning to explore deepening ties within the framework of bi-lateral and multi-lateral FTAs. As an economic powerhouse and a key player in the region, Japan has a vested interested in shaping the future structure of the East Asian economy through a proactive trade policy that engages its regional counterparts. Yet, what are the opportunities and challenges for increased trade cooperation in the region? Will growing convergence in the economic sphere lead to increased dialogue? Or will increasing competition further exacerbate strategic rivalries?
More Information
Photos of the Event
EIAS Brussels
Speaker: Prof. Yorizumi Watanabe, Professor of International Political Economy, Keio University, Japan
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
East Asia is emerging as a dynamic regional entity - with economic integration producing high profitability and growth rates, the region is beginning to explore deepening ties within the framework of bi-lateral and multi-lateral FTAs. As an economic powerhouse and a key player in the region, Japan has a vested interested in shaping the future structure of the East Asian economy through a proactive trade policy that engages its regional counterparts. Yet, what are the opportunities and challenges for increased trade cooperation in the region? Will growing convergence in the economic sphere lead to increased dialogue? Or will increasing competition further exacerbate strategic rivalries?
More Information
Photos of the Event
29 March, 2006
International Press Centre, Brussels
The Forum is 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 will be addressed by Eneko Landaburu, Director General (External Relations), European Commission and a senior official from the United Nations.
More information and Papers
International Press Centre, Brussels
The Forum is 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 will be addressed by Eneko Landaburu, Director General (External Relations), European Commission and a senior official from the United Nations.
More information and Papers
28 March, 2006, EIAS Brussels
Speaker: Mr. Willem van Kemenade, China Analyst & Consultant, Beijing
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Discussant: Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Senior Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies
The regional influence of the European Union, United States and People’s Republic of China has begun to take on a new dimension as the three powers engage in strategic dialogues and partnerships, which might eventually lead to an EU-US-China Strategic Grand Triangle. Will growing interdependence, new global challenges and the ‘Peaceful Rise’ of China lead to a shifting global balance of power? How can growing convergence and cooperation be managed in the face of increasing competition and strategic rivalries?
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr. Willem van Kemenade to its premises to examine the feasibility and implications of said EU-US-China Strategic Grand Triangle not only for the parties involved, but the international system at large.
More information
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Mr. Willem van Kemenade, China Analyst & Consultant, Beijing
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
Discussant: Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Senior Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies
The regional influence of the European Union, United States and People’s Republic of China has begun to take on a new dimension as the three powers engage in strategic dialogues and partnerships, which might eventually lead to an EU-US-China Strategic Grand Triangle. Will growing interdependence, new global challenges and the ‘Peaceful Rise’ of China lead to a shifting global balance of power? How can growing convergence and cooperation be managed in the face of increasing competition and strategic rivalries?
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr. Willem van Kemenade to its premises to examine the feasibility and implications of said EU-US-China Strategic Grand Triangle not only for the parties involved, but the international system at large.
More information
Photos of the Event
Presentations: Asian Economic Development and the European Union: Viewpoint of the new EU Member States
21 - 23 March 2006
Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Vilnus
In 2006, Lithuania will mark the fifteenth aniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with China, the Republic of Korae and Japan. The groups for Inter-parliamentary Relations with the People's Republic of China; Republic of Korea and Japan have already been functioning for several terms of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania; the exchanges of parliamentary delegations have occured on several occasions. With the accession to the EU, Lithuania has found an opportunity to get actively involved in the Europe-Asia Dialogue within the ASEM framework.
On the initiative of the Groups for Inter-parliamentary Cooperation with China, the Republic of Korea and Japan, the board of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania decided to hold a two-day international conference. Dr Willem van der Geest, Dr Sebastian Bersick and Joern Keck (a member effectif of EIAS) were invited to present reports to the conference.
Dr van der Geest's Presentation: Flash/Shockwave or pdf
Dr Bersick's Presentation: pdf
Joen Kerck's Presentation: pdf
Conference Programme (pdf)
Speakers and Participants (pdf)
Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Vilnus
In 2006, Lithuania will mark the fifteenth aniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with China, the Republic of Korae and Japan. The groups for Inter-parliamentary Relations with the People's Republic of China; Republic of Korea and Japan have already been functioning for several terms of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania; the exchanges of parliamentary delegations have occured on several occasions. With the accession to the EU, Lithuania has found an opportunity to get actively involved in the Europe-Asia Dialogue within the ASEM framework.
On the initiative of the Groups for Inter-parliamentary Cooperation with China, the Republic of Korea and Japan, the board of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania decided to hold a two-day international conference. Dr Willem van der Geest, Dr Sebastian Bersick and Joern Keck (a member effectif of EIAS) were invited to present reports to the conference.
Dr van der Geest's Presentation: Flash/Shockwave or pdf
Dr Bersick's Presentation: pdf
Joen Kerck's Presentation: pdf
Conference Programme (pdf)
Speakers and Participants (pdf)
20 March 2006
Clingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations, The Hague
Within the framework of a Course in International Relations and Diplomatic Practice for Junior Diplomats from Indonesia Dr Sebastian Bersick will give a lecture on “The Future of the Euro-Asian Dialogue and the Role of ASEM”.
Dr Bersick's presentation can be downloaded (pdf)
Clingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations, The Hague
Within the framework of a Course in International Relations and Diplomatic Practice for Junior Diplomats from Indonesia Dr Sebastian Bersick will give a lecture on “The Future of the Euro-Asian Dialogue and the Role of ASEM”.
Dr Bersick's presentation can be downloaded (pdf)
by Sir Nicholas Stern
18:00 hrs Thursday March 16, 2006
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), in close association with the Cambridge and Oxford Societies of Belgium, and the Harvard Club of Belgium, are honoured to announce the launch of a series of lectures on sustainable development in the name of Professor Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences 1998.
The inaugural lecture before an invited audience was on 16 March 2006 in the Charlemagne Building of the European Commission at six o'clock (Room S3 ground-floor). The lecture was given by Sir Nicholas Stern, who was introduced by Professor Amartya Sen. Following the lecture there was an opportunity for the audience to participate in the Q&A. The session was chaired by Prof Aubrey Silberston CBE, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Imperial College London, who was Amartya Sen's tutor at Cambridge University.
Sir Nicholas Stern leads a major review of the Economics of Climate Change. The review is conducted jointly by the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury of the United Kingdom, and will report to the Prime Minister and Chancellor by Autumn 2006. The review has been requested to understand more comprehensively the nature of the economic challenges that climate change poses and how these can be met, in the UK and globally. This lecture will provide one of the first presentations of the initial findings of the ongoing review.
EIAS and the Societies will continue to work with Professor Sen to ensure that future lectures in the series address major issues surrounding sustainable development and a number of leading thinkers on the subject have been approached.
Full Report, Papers and Audio Files
Photos of the Event
18:00 hrs Thursday March 16, 2006
The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), in close association with the Cambridge and Oxford Societies of Belgium, and the Harvard Club of Belgium, are honoured to announce the launch of a series of lectures on sustainable development in the name of Professor Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences 1998.
The inaugural lecture before an invited audience was on 16 March 2006 in the Charlemagne Building of the European Commission at six o'clock (Room S3 ground-floor). The lecture was given by Sir Nicholas Stern, who was introduced by Professor Amartya Sen. Following the lecture there was an opportunity for the audience to participate in the Q&A. The session was chaired by Prof Aubrey Silberston CBE, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Imperial College London, who was Amartya Sen's tutor at Cambridge University.
Sir Nicholas Stern leads a major review of the Economics of Climate Change. The review is conducted jointly by the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury of the United Kingdom, and will report to the Prime Minister and Chancellor by Autumn 2006. The review has been requested to understand more comprehensively the nature of the economic challenges that climate change poses and how these can be met, in the UK and globally. This lecture will provide one of the first presentations of the initial findings of the ongoing review.
EIAS and the Societies will continue to work with Professor Sen to ensure that future lectures in the series address major issues surrounding sustainable development and a number of leading thinkers on the subject have been approached.
Full Report, Papers and Audio Files
Photos of the Event
Presentation: From Hanoi to Helsinki: Review of the Asia-Europe Peoples Forum - Strenghtening the Social Aspects in the ASEM Process
13-15 March 2006
Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations / Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The workshop will allow for an informal brainstorming between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in the light of the upcoming ASEM Summit in Helsinki and the ASEM Social and Labour Ministers’ Meeting in Berlin. It will focus on the question how the Asia Europe Peoples’ Forum (AEPF) can contribute to including social issues in the ASEM process.
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present the paper “ASEM and AEPF: Review after 10 Years of Experience and the Way Ahead”. Download Dr Bersick's presentation as a Flash animation or pdf file.
Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations / Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The workshop will allow for an informal brainstorming between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in the light of the upcoming ASEM Summit in Helsinki and the ASEM Social and Labour Ministers’ Meeting in Berlin. It will focus on the question how the Asia Europe Peoples’ Forum (AEPF) can contribute to including social issues in the ASEM process.
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present the paper “ASEM and AEPF: Review after 10 Years of Experience and the Way Ahead”. Download Dr Bersick's presentation as a Flash animation or pdf file.
12-14 March 2006
Asian IOC Meeting, Ho Chi Minh City
The Asian IOC meeting was called for to reflect upon a decade of AEPF engagement in the ASEM process so as to better position itself as a stronger bi-regional network of civil society working for the democratisation of Asia- Europe relations.
Download the conference report (pdf)
Asian IOC Meeting, Ho Chi Minh City
The Asian IOC meeting was called for to reflect upon a decade of AEPF engagement in the ASEM process so as to better position itself as a stronger bi-regional network of civil society working for the democratisation of Asia- Europe relations.
Download the conference report (pdf)
9 March, 2006
Speaker: Mr Endy M. Bayuni, Chief Editor of The Jakarta Post
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
As the violent protests sparked by the publication of caricatures depicting the prophet Muhammad begin to die down, a more fundamental debate about the role and responsibility of the press in promoting free speech wages on. The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Mr Endy Bayuni to speak at its premises.
Listen to Dr Willem van der Geest interviewing the speaker
More information
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Mr Endy M. Bayuni, Chief Editor of The Jakarta Post
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
As the violent protests sparked by the publication of caricatures depicting the prophet Muhammad begin to die down, a more fundamental debate about the role and responsibility of the press in promoting free speech wages on. The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Mr Endy Bayuni to speak at its premises.
Listen to Dr Willem van der Geest interviewing the speaker
More information
Photos of the Event
Presentation: The Governance of Continents: Regional Integration, Globalisation and National Cohesion in Europe and Asia
8 March 2006
Italian Institute for Human Sciences, Florence
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present the paper "ASEMetrics: The Rationale for Interregional Regime-Building". The workshop will concentrate on the relationships between national cohesion, regional integration processes in Europe and Asia and the globalisation process. The workshop will analyse the process of constitution and of development of ASEM, of its level of informality, and of its field of intervention, with the aim of explaining how the ASEM process can influence the level of integration of the areas concerned.
Italian Institute for Human Sciences, Florence
Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to present the paper "ASEMetrics: The Rationale for Interregional Regime-Building". The workshop will concentrate on the relationships between national cohesion, regional integration processes in Europe and Asia and the globalisation process. The workshop will analyse the process of constitution and of development of ASEM, of its level of informality, and of its field of intervention, with the aim of explaining how the ASEM process can influence the level of integration of the areas concerned.
7 March 2006
The European Institute for Asian Studies was honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation from Pakistan to it premises on Tuesday, March 7th for a roundtable discussion on the topic “Dialogue amongst Cultures”. The Delegation consisted of:
Mr. Mohammad Ijaz ul Haq, Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr/ Member National Assembly
Sahibzada Syed Asad Murtaza Gilani, Parliamentary Secretary on Religious Affairs, Zakar & Ushr/ Member national Assembly
Professor Mushtaq Victor, Parliamentary Secretary for Minorities Affairs / Member National Assembly
Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs/ Member National Assembly
Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, Chairman, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs/ Member National Assembly
The European Institute for Asian Studies was honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation from Pakistan to it premises on Tuesday, March 7th for a roundtable discussion on the topic “Dialogue amongst Cultures”. The Delegation consisted of: Mr. Mohammad Ijaz ul Haq, Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr/ Member National Assembly
Sahibzada Syed Asad Murtaza Gilani, Parliamentary Secretary on Religious Affairs, Zakar & Ushr/ Member national Assembly
Professor Mushtaq Victor, Parliamentary Secretary for Minorities Affairs / Member National Assembly
Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs/ Member National Assembly
Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, Chairman, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs/ Member National Assembly
3 March 2006, European Union Institute for Security Studies, Paris
The seminar will deal with the transatlantic fallout over the arms embargo and the need for the European Union to develop its own security perspective on China. Questions that will be discussed by European and American participants are inter alia: Does the EU share Washington’s concern about China’s military modernization? What is the EU’s assessment of the security situation in the Far East and in particular in the Taiwanese Strait? Under which conditions, if at all, would the EU be prepared to remove the embargo? Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to participate in the seminar.
The seminar will deal with the transatlantic fallout over the arms embargo and the need for the European Union to develop its own security perspective on China. Questions that will be discussed by European and American participants are inter alia: Does the EU share Washington’s concern about China’s military modernization? What is the EU’s assessment of the security situation in the Far East and in particular in the Taiwanese Strait? Under which conditions, if at all, would the EU be prepared to remove the embargo? Dr Sebastian Bersick has been invited to participate in the seminar.
A European Alliance for Asian Studies Conference
21 February, 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 is organising its annual Asia Update conference entitled 'Governance in Asia' to take place in the European Parliament, Brussels on Tuesday February 21, 2006. The conference will bring 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.
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
21 February, European Parliament, Brussels
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The European Institute for Asian Studies, in collaboration with the European Alliance for Asian Studies, and the sponsorship of Mr. Glyn Ford, MEP is organising its annual Asia Update conference entitled 'Governance in Asia' to take place in the European Parliament, Brussels on Tuesday February 21, 2006. The conference will bring 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.
Full Report and Papers
Photos of the Event
Luncheon Briefing: 10 Years of European Union Election Observation Missions to Asia: Lessons Learned
Thursday, 26 January, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30
Speaker: Mr Plamen Tonchev, Head of Asia Unit, Institute of International Economic Relations (IIER), Athens
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Over the years, the EU has built up a reputation in the field of election observation as a fair and honest broker promoting transparency and international standards for democratic elections through its presence and reporting in a wide range of countries. European Union Election Observation Missions (EOMs) act as mechanisms through which to confer legitimacy on national political processes, contributing to the promotion of internal stability, the support for human rights, the rule of law and democratisation.
EOMs have been deployed to several Asian countries in recent years including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan and East Timor. According to the EU, missions of this kind have made a tangible contribution to stability, transparency and confidence in the concerned countries, whilst simultaneously heightening the credibility and visibility of the EU's identity as a "project for democracy, development and peace".
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Mr. Plamen Tonchev, Head of Asia Unit at the Institute of International Economic Relations in Athens. Mr. Tonchev has conducted extensive research on political and economic developments in Asia focusing much of his work on post-conflict resolution and, in particular, post-election stabilisation and recovery in nations torn by conflict. Additionally, he has served as an election observer and political analyst on a number of OSCE and EU missions, most recently as Deputy Chief Observer on the EU's Election Observation Mission to Afghanistan in 2005.
Photos of the Event
Speaker: Mr Plamen Tonchev, Head of Asia Unit, Institute of International Economic Relations (IIER), Athens
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Over the years, the EU has built up a reputation in the field of election observation as a fair and honest broker promoting transparency and international standards for democratic elections through its presence and reporting in a wide range of countries. European Union Election Observation Missions (EOMs) act as mechanisms through which to confer legitimacy on national political processes, contributing to the promotion of internal stability, the support for human rights, the rule of law and democratisation.
EOMs have been deployed to several Asian countries in recent years including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan and East Timor. According to the EU, missions of this kind have made a tangible contribution to stability, transparency and confidence in the concerned countries, whilst simultaneously heightening the credibility and visibility of the EU's identity as a "project for democracy, development and peace".
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Mr. Plamen Tonchev, Head of Asia Unit at the Institute of International Economic Relations in Athens. Mr. Tonchev has conducted extensive research on political and economic developments in Asia focusing much of his work on post-conflict resolution and, in particular, post-election stabilisation and recovery in nations torn by conflict. Additionally, he has served as an election observer and political analyst on a number of OSCE and EU missions, most recently as Deputy Chief Observer on the EU's Election Observation Mission to Afghanistan in 2005.
Photos of the Event
20-21 January 2006
European Executive Council, Meeting in Brussels
Dr. Sebastian Bersick has been invited as a guest speaker on the topic of 'Do we European's have a Strategy towards China?' The European Executive Council (EEC) is a circle of confidential exchange and reflection which gathers around thirty CEOs of non-European multinationals’ European HQs. The European Executive Council was founded in April 2000 as an informal forum where top European executives could confidentially exchange ideas and share solutions about common issues faced in Europe by non-European multinationals. Focus is laid on strategy, development, leadership and integration in a culturally diverse European market. The EEC also provides a structure that allows members and European personalities to exchange their vision of Europe’s future. Members have the opportunity to pass on the non-European multinationals’ key concerns.
European Executive Council, Meeting in Brussels
Dr. Sebastian Bersick has been invited as a guest speaker on the topic of 'Do we European's have a Strategy towards China?' The European Executive Council (EEC) is a circle of confidential exchange and reflection which gathers around thirty CEOs of non-European multinationals’ European HQs. The European Executive Council was founded in April 2000 as an informal forum where top European executives could confidentially exchange ideas and share solutions about common issues faced in Europe by non-European multinationals. Focus is laid on strategy, development, leadership and integration in a culturally diverse European market. The EEC also provides a structure that allows members and European personalities to exchange their vision of Europe’s future. Members have the opportunity to pass on the non-European multinationals’ key concerns.
January to 5 February 2006
Exhibition of oil paintings and graphic work Gerolf Van de Perre is a Belgian artist who lived for 3 years in Beijing. The inspiration for his work comes from the street life and the ongoing changes in Chinese contemporary society. In 2003 he published 2 graphic novels, Steenstof and Domweg dapper (more information). In the current exhibition he also shows some of the paintings from his "diary of a construction site".
For more information: gerofl_vdp@skynet.be
Communal Art Centre
HUIS HELLEMANS
Strijdersstraat 14, 2650 Edegem (near Antwerp, Belgium)
Exhibition of oil paintings and graphic work Gerolf Van de Perre is a Belgian artist who lived for 3 years in Beijing. The inspiration for his work comes from the street life and the ongoing changes in Chinese contemporary society. In 2003 he published 2 graphic novels, Steenstof and Domweg dapper (more information). In the current exhibition he also shows some of the paintings from his "diary of a construction site".
For more information: gerofl_vdp@skynet.be
Communal Art Centre
HUIS HELLEMANS
Strijdersstraat 14, 2650 Edegem (near Antwerp, Belgium)
Special Briefing: The Future of Japan-Europe Relations and their impact on the Security Environment in East Asia
12 January, 2006, EIAS, Brussels from 15h00 - 16h20
Speaker: Prof. Akiko Yamanaka, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Japan
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Prof. Akiko Yamanaka, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to its premises for a Briefing on the aforementioned issues. Prof. Yamanaka has a wealth of experience in both the political and academic field, enabling her to discuss security issues in the Asia-Pacific and their implications for Europe.
Speech
Photos of the Event
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Speaker: Prof. Akiko Yamanaka, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Japan
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Prof. Akiko Yamanaka, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to its premises for a Briefing on the aforementioned issues. Prof. Yamanaka has a wealth of experience in both the political and academic field, enabling her to discuss security issues in the Asia-Pacific and their implications for Europe.
Speech
Photos of the Event
