10 November 2014. Europe is facing a wide variety of challenges. The economy is suffering from high youth unemployment and slow economic growth with interest rates at an all-time low. At the same time, the reinvigorated populist movements and the UK’s critical attitude have been bogging down the integration process. In addition, Switzerland, the country in the heart of Europe, fundamentally questioned the bilateral agreements and thus its European policy of recent years at the ballot box not long ago.

A vision to get out of the crisis

In such times, a vision for Europe and Switzerland’s relations with the EU is in greater demand than ever. Europe does not only need concrete answers about its economic and identity crisis but also a vision about what Europe should look like in ten years’ time. The English-language panel discussion “Another Vision for Europe: the EU, Italy, and Switzerland by 2025”, which is organised by Regiogruppe foraus St.Gallen, is intended to reveal possible perspectives for Europe.

In the light of the Italian presidency of the European Union, Enrico Letta will present his vision for Europe. On the basis of a far-sighted analysis of Europe, Filippo Lombardi will outline the future of Switzerland’s bilateral agreements with the EU and with Italy. Chaired by Dirk Lehmkuhl, Professor of Political Science at the University of St.Gallen (HSG), the panel will discuss the implications for Switzerland and its relations with its neighbouring European countries. The discussion among three visionary experts on Europe promises far-sighted answers that transcend the borders between political parties and nations.

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