On April 18, 2016, The Valdai Discussion Club held a public conference titled "Beyond the Deadlock: What Future for EU-Russia Relations?"
Rome, 18 April 2016 15.30 – 17.30Relations between Russia and the EU, which were dubbed in the past a "strategic partnership", are now facing a deep crisis, as almost all interactions are frozen. Both sides agree that return to the previous pattern is impossible, though mutual segregation is also unacceptable. The five principles for EU-Russia relations spelled out by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini have been ill-received in Russia. However, this and other recent initiatives highlight the need to discuss new options for the future. The public conference in Rome will offer the opportunity to discuss with prominent experts the outlook of Russia-EU relations and the steps to be taken to revamp them.
Welcome addresses:
• Andrey Bystritskiy, Chairman of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club
• Ettore Greco, Director, Institute of International Affairs (IAI)
Chair: Ettore Greco, Director, Institute of International Affairs
Speakers
• Timofei Bordachev, Program Director, Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club; Director, Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies, HSE University
• Fyodor Lukyanov, Academic Director, Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club; Editor-in-Chief, Russia in Global Affairs
• Nona Mikhelidze, Senior Fellow, Institute of International Affairs (IAI)
• Nathalie Tocci, Deputy Director, Institute of International Affairs (IAI), Special Adviser to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini
The Valdai Discussion Club was established in 2004. Since then it has won an international repute as a venue for leading world experts to engage with Russian scholars, politicians and government officials. Today the Club’s activities focus mainly on research of global political and economic processes. Over 1000 experts from 63 countries have taken part in the Club’s work since its inception.
The Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI – Institute of International Affairs) is a non profit organization established in 1965 on the initiative of Altiero Spinelli, its first director. The Institute's main objective is to promote an understanding of international problems in the fields of foreign policy, economy and security through studies, research, meetings and publications. A non-profit organization, the IAI is funded by individual and corporate members, international organizations, major foundations, and by a standing grant from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Institute carries out about 50 projects each year, a third of which are funded by the European Commission, and organizes about 100 conferences and seminars, both in Italy and abroad. The IAI cooperates with numerous similar institutions abroad and is an active participant in – and has sometimes been a promoter of - important transnational research networks
Information for media: to attend, please fill in the accreditation form or call +7 926 930 7763 (Maria Miklushevskaya, Public Relations Division).