The Forum Post by Michal Wojcik

Nowy Sacz hosted us

For 4 days Malopolska was capital of young Europe. HOSPITALITY

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Poland-Germany (2:2) Germany and Poland inspire Europe. ANALYSIS

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THE FORUM POST

Free edition

We tackle problems in Europe Mathew Davies, UK

FEATURED The special guest of 2011 was Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia. He was one of many eminent leaders who offered their advice and analyses.

Between the 6th and 10th September, young leaders met in Nowy Sacz to discuss and debate challenges for Europe. These issues ranged from the Euro crisis to migration and beyond. There were experienced politicians, eminent economists and a diverse group of panellists from fields such as corporate business, communications and academia. This is important because there are a multitude of problems which Europe and the EU faces. This is why the Forum aims to include leaders from the Eastern Partnership. Trans-national challenges require an holistic and co-operative dialogue which exploits the skills and potential innovative qualities of Europeans. Furthermore, as the world speeds up, it is more prescient for the leaders of tomorrow to meet the leaders of today. As President Saakashvili proclaimed, ‘politics is becoming more younger, and more energetic...don’t wait’. Page 2

Crisis in Eurozone

Migration challenges

EUROZONE This year we have witnessed one of the greatest developments in Europe. The Euro has been tested and some would say it is now at the brink of collapse. Conversely, at the end of the global financial crisis, the Euro looked formidable.

SCHENGEN Some politicians, have called for deeper integration on matters such as the Eurozone and migration. Conversely, a considerable number of statesmen within the Schengen zone offer different prescriptions. In this article Mathew Davies, chief editor of the Forum’s magazine offers his insight into the crossroads of EU policy.

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In this issue: We tackle problems in Europe The best Forum so far Nowy Sącz - the place to be Prescriptions for a competitive Euro Collective security is a priority Smart moves for Europe and beyond

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Participants voice Page 6 Time for a new generation Page 7 Get into the Energy market Page 8 The migration issue is complex Page 8 How can we make co-operation work! Page 8

Issue nr 1, September 2011

Message from the editor I am pleased to launch the first magazine of the Economic Forum of Young Leaders. The aim of the magazine is to distribute the happenings and outcomes of the conference. This will be essential reading for the participants, speaker, academics, politicians, business leaders, whatever their expertise. The Forum has developed in a variety of areas including the panel discussions and media coverage. The magazine will be no exception. I have co-operated with the Forum and its participants over the past 4 years, and as a journalist for a variety of European newspapers, it is a pleasure to apply my skills to this project. My future objectives for this magazine include the continuation of information distribution. In terms of ideas, policy prescriptions and coverage. Moreover, I hope it serves as a platform to the voices of the youth, with respect to issues which affect them. I hope you enjoy our first publication. If you have any feedback or comments to the contributors, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely, Mathew Davies. Chief Editor of the Forum Magazine.

THE FORUM POST We tackle problems in Europe Mathew Davies, UK

OBSERVATION Political and economic perspectives were offered by young people from 34 countries this year. Some predict the breakup of the European Union, and an unfortunate regression of co-operative policies, such as Schengen and the Euro. Others see the current crisis as an opportunity to develop solidarity and deepen integration. This year, we were very lucky to have a series of eminent leaders. President Saakashvili was a very important guest because he is the first head of state who is currently in office to attend the Forum. Moroever, he launched the first topic. The situation of Georgia. He has witnessed many challenges in a relatively short period of time, including state building in a post soviet state and the Russian-Georgian war of 2008. As a leader who became an MP at the age of 25, Minister of Justice at 30 and then ran for Presidency at 35, he has a lot of advice for the leaders of tomorrow. The President pointed out that seven years ago Georgia was “basically a failed state”. Despite many problems, the country has soldiered on. Therefore, just as “nobody predicted what happened in the 80s, the revolutions in Eastern Europe or the Arab Springs” few could see which direction Georgia would take. However, due to liberalisations, which he argued were the “basis for success” Georgia has become the place to invest in the region. Furthermore, with growth at 6.5%, the conditions are improving for “Don’t wait, and don’t think that it is too far Georgians. away...the point is that 20-30 years ago poliThat said, tensions ticians were very old...not now when we have still exist to think fast...go for it, take it when you have between the opportunity, you may not get a second Russia and chance” Georgia, he remarked Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia ‘ we want Russian tanks out, and Russian tourists in’. He closed by delivering a message to the young leaders of tomorrow by motivating them to take the opportunities which present themselves.

Nowy Sącz - the place to be for young leaders Malte Koppe, Germany

HOSPITALITY When coming to Nowy Sącz for the Economic Forum, you realize right away that the city and its inhabitants welcome you very warmly. A huge banner at the beautiful town hall greets the participants from all over Europe. This is a beautiful symbol of the openness of the hosting city of the 6th Economic Forum of Young Leaders. And probably all the young leaders were overwhelmed by the hospitality during the evening reception at the town hall where they could taste Polish cuisine. And it is without doubt that the prognosis of Bożena Jawor, Mayor of Nowy Sącz, will come true. She addressed the future leaders of Europe in the following way: “Someday you will come back to our city as investors - or for recreation with your children.”

The best Forum so far

INTERVIEW with Michal Wojcik, Programme Director of the Economic Forum of Young Leaders. Could you please tell us what your impression is of the Forum this year? The participants are very good, they have asked a series of questions which are challenging and relevant. I have seen them networking and learning about each other which Michał Wójcik is one of the aims of his forum. Furthermore, they have had the chance to share their ideas with many other people. This is because we work with a media team from Nowy Staw Foundation in Poland and Bennohaus in Germany. They have facilitated an open studio with live streams daily – and many interviews with the participants, from the organisers, to the programme councillors and panellists. I think it is very promising that the media coverage has expanded, however, is this different from other years? This is a very good question. Like I said earlier, the partners have generally been expanding and deepening every year. The level of efficiency this year surpasses previous forums. This is because we have learnt from our previous editions. I am very thankful to the town of Nowy Sacz. Where do you see the forum going over the next few years? Firstly, this is the first year that we have developed a newspaper for the forum. This is one aspect we would like to pursue in the future. I think this is very important so that the messages and challenges are delivered in a way which people can reflect upon, or indeed learn from. Secondly, we are hoping to cooperate with the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt/Oder. By doing this we could establish research thughout the year, and develop a researched based approach to the forum. This could lead to a young peoples think tank. As you can see, we have a series of new ideas, and we aim to develop the ones we have.

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Prescriptions for a more competitive Euro! Michele Turati, Italy

EUROZONE Unfortunately, as the Greek crisis expanded, so too did the number of countries affected by the limitations embodied within a monetary union without fiscal governance. This downfall began in Ireland last Autumn, Portugal followed in the Winter of 2010 – 2011. The situation has worsened since, and the ramifications are likely to stretch beyond the Eurozone. The creation of a financial stability facility has not tamed market confidence. And as Italy, the latest country to begin imposing harsh austerity measures calculates its losses after a very volatile month. Michele Turati, from the World Trade Organization in Brescia offers his analysis on the crisis facing the monetary union. The Brazilians economy is expanding rapidly whereas the US is lagging. Based on some forecasts, in a year and a half, Brazil’s GDP will be higher than Italy’s. Russia’s GDP will exceed that in one year. This is a testament to the growing power of emerging countries. By 2020 there will likely be only three strong currencies in the world: the US dollar, the Chinese Yuan and, if it survives, the Euro. Consequently, the European single currency is very important, and we must not let it break. It’s the only way to facilitate a balance of power between the emerging Chinese and American hegemonic powers. Therefore, the issue of balance is central. One of the major consequences of the failure of the Euro would be an imbalance in the exchange rate between the USD and the Euro. This is relatively stable at the present time. The US cannot risk the dollar losing competitiveness against the Euro, and lose their contemporary leadership as the world’s strongest economy. Therefore it is in the interest of the USA to mitigate the Euro crises. However, they haven’t the capacity to do this in the way they once did. Consequently, the choices made in the Eurozone are more important than ever.

Which steps have already been taken?

An important step towards efficiency and competitiveness has been taken

with the Lisbon strategy which was considerably ambitious. But it lacked implementation from many member states. One problem lies in the resources available to the EU, and the fact that a considerable amount of the budget is spent on agriculture. We need mechanisms like ‘Europlus’ to steer states to publish outcomes annually – thus deepening transparency. This would increase competitiveness and accountability.

What else can increase competitiveness?

crisis is the development of Eurobonds. They could become a resource to save the Euro. They are often seen as a life vest for the PIIGS and they are indeed a reasonable instrument; However, Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, is against them because as the strongest economy, Germany would carry the burden of debt. Conversely, France isn’t against Eurobonds. A solution is needed urgently because the eurozone and the global financial system requires confidence.. A consequence of global speculations is that we are witnessing the selling of the euro all over the World, often in exchange for any other currency. This puts the value of the Euro down. However, the breakup of the Euro is not an option. Without the euro, the Countries that abandon it will face a series of devaluations affecting their new currencies; some would see a rise in unemployment and worsening social problems. Theoretically, this might lead to financial tragedies similar to the one in Argentina in 2001: That example consisted of an increased devaluation of the currency,

There are three key areas, infrastructure, research and labour. The crisis and the high debts of some States have had a strong negative impact on those three policies; a few cuts here and there aren’t enough to ensure sustainability: a key could be to lower the weight of the State in the economy. Firstly, it is however true that the economy naturally develops with the right infrastructure. Secondly, research is a long term investment but it yields growth; right now the EU budget is limited “The Euro itself needs to be sustained by and the fostrong pension reform and a wide range of cus on repolicies regarding liberalization. Labor needs search has to be more flexible even though this goes been lost in many EU against many historical goals achieved by Countries. trade unions” Nonetheless, it is Michele Turati possible to reduce waste and reallocate resources to appropriate research de- until it was not possible anymore, and partments. Thirdly, Labour reform is finally the Country defaulted. This is a needed. real risk in Greece, Spain, Portugal, IreThe Euro itself can be sustained by land and Italy. The Eurobond is a realstrong pension reform and a wide range istic option. However, one must ask the of policies regarding liberalization. La- following. bor needs to be more flexible even What are some possible negative though this goes against many historical goals achieve by trade unions. The consequences of Eurobonds? developments by collectives in the form Just a number: 45 thousands billion Euof unions aggravate competitiveness ros of debt. This is a burden Germany is on the global market. In Countries like likely to resent. Indeed, that is the maItaly, a large company, for example jor argument within Germany. But they FIAT, can go on strike due to a couple of cannot have their cake and eat it – hard people losing their jobs. This is not sus- choices need to be made. The bottom tainable. There is of course another ex- line is that compromise is needed to treme. In my neighboring Country Swit- save the Eurozone, and the options exist zerland, a person can get fired as easily to do it. as in the United States. The best way is in between those two models. Another possible solution to the Euro

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Collective security is a priority after the Arab springs Mathew Davies, UK

MIGRATION Two years ago Dick Roche, Irish Minister of State for European affairs, was a guest speaker at this Forum. He said that the EU is the ‘greatest peace project the world has ever known’ and that it requires a ‘new sense of passion’. This year that project is under threat. In addition to the Euro crisis, migration has once again become a security issue

at the centre of EU politics – a theme that has always caused tensions accross the political landscape. On Sunday the 17th October 2010, I opened my weekend copy of the Financial Times. Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, had audaciously asserted that multiculturalism had ‘utterly failed’. I was aghast to hear the leader of the economic powerhouse of Europe deliver such a general comment on such a contentious issue. It was to become the first of many. In the case of internal migration, there have been mixed signals. Some, for example the former Italian Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema stated bluntly on the 10th May for the French newspaper Le Monde, that ‘Europe needs Migrants’. As the Polish Social Scientist and Philosopher Zygmunt Bauman has pointed out, ‘there are today 333 million Europeans, but with the present (and still falling) average birth rate, this number will shrink to 242 million in the next 40 years’. Clearly this raises some very important questions for the policy making process, and requires careful communication with people throughout the regions of Europe. This has often failed in the United Kingdom, with Rupert Murdoch’s media consortium of the sun, the daily mail and others framing

the issue in simplistic and almost draco- cessity of FRONTEX which has expandnian ways. We are, however, outside the ed every year since it was first initiated Schengen zone in Britain. Many of the in 2005. Unfortunately, the European countries which have brought the issue Asylum Agency, prescribed at the same of migration into question are bound by time has not come to fruition. This raisobligations and trust to uphold Schen- es three important questions. Some key gen. Therefore, it is fair to compare and questions therefore are the following. contrast the decisions from Poland to Should Private companies be set up by France with respect to migration. With- the EU to manage border controls? If so out respecting law, trust and legitimacy what oversight ought to exist? decline. Perhaps the Polish Presidency is The key political intervention which the perfect time to develop appropripotentially undermined Schengen was ate mechanisms. It would send a clear made by Nicolas Sar- signal that collective security is in mokozy, the President tion. Unfortunately, this does not reflect of France and his the direction incidents this year seem government. The ini- to be heading. For example, Silvio Bertiative to grant and lusconi’s government granted external exclude the Roma migrants temporary visa’s. This allowed people can be debat- them to travel throughout the EU. Nicoed in terms of ethics, las Sarkozy’s government stopped trains but not in terms of heading to France with them inside. law and obligation. Soon after Denmark reinstated border The action has un- checks, and now the free movement of dermined EU gover- individuals is under attack. The EU was nance. Coupled with not prepared for an event like the Arab the assertion by An- Springs. gela Merkel, ChanConsequently, have the external chalcellor of Germany, and later Silvio Ber- lenges of the Arab springs exposed the lusconi, Prime Minister of Italy to make limits of EU solidarity and governance? the case that some leaders have tired of Perhaps, however Italy is more vulthe constraints of the Schengen zone. nerable than other states because of its After France expelled the Roma, the geographical location. Therefore in the Italian premier developed this further. absence of help from the EU, and the abBefore the Arab springs and the rebel- sence of useful mechanisms to address lion against Gadaffi in Libya. Italy had the crisis, Italy has had to act in the pledged financial aid to contain its peo- interests of its people. Without useful ple, and to prevent them fleeing Libya. mechanisms and the appropriate help, This is logical because state security is bound, to a degree, The Polish Presidency is the perfect time to... by its management of migratory flows. Therefore, in the inter- send a signal that collective security is in moests of collective security, a pri- tion” vate agency would seem the apMathew Davies propriate choice of mechanism. This does exist in the form of FRONTEX, a Warsaw based agency people will lose faith in the EU if they which polices the borders of Europe. feel abandoned. History has taught us However, according to Statewatch, in where that leads, just as the correlation 2010, Italy was planning to co-finance between economic decline and the rise ‘Libyan land borders, 50% funded by in Nationalism has taught us to prevent Italy and 50%, for which Italian com- it. panies with the necessary technological Therefore, should we address the corknow-how will be responsible’. Howev- relation between economic challenges er, during the current Northern African and nationalism? And if so, how? crisis, and the arrival of more migrants Finally, in practise what mechanisms at Lampadusa, an island south of Italy, and processes need to be initiated to lead FRONTEX was charged with helping the the EU further down the road of collective Italian government in policing its bor- security? ders. This has further legitimised the ne-

Smart moves for Europe and beyond Malte Koppe, Germany

INTEGRATION 2011 is one of the best years for the German-Polish relationship. Cooperation is realized across the social, political and economic spectrum. However, 20 years after the signature “Polish-German Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation” some experts on the countries bilateral relations warn that mutual interest may decline. As Malte Koppe shows, a further commitment to the relationship could be the continuing promotion in Europe of the German-Polish achievements. On June 17th 1991, the now independent and democratic Republic of Poland and the unified Federal Republic of Germany signed the “Polish-German Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation”. This defined various spheres for bilateral cooperation in politics and society. On May 1st 2004, Poland joined the European Union and soon after entered the Schengen zone. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Polish-German treaty. This has coincided with Poland taking over the presidency in the European Council.

Wherever you look - Poland and Germany cooperate!

Today, cooperation and exchange between Poland and Germany penetrate government and all spheres of society. Although the “community of interest” might be hard to achieve, Poles and Germans are finally on a level where they can meet as emancipated partners. But this does not mean that the history of both countries is ignored. The following examples illustrate some common achievements in the last 20 years. Firstly, around two million people of Polish origin live in Germany, the German minority in Poland accounts for around 160.000 people and is by law represented in the Polish parliament. This year the German Bundestag announced that they would endeavor to support the Polish minority in Germany. This matters because Germany is Poland’s most important trading partner, accounting for about one fourth of its imports and exports. Since May Polish people can work legally in Germany. Furthermore, The foreign ministries

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years of cooperation needs to be proare in close contact and regularly con- moted. sult one another. A German-Polish Poland may use experiences gained university exists (European University with Germany in bilateral relations with Viadrina Frankfurt/Oder) as well as a their Eastern neighbors. Even more confoundation supporting civil society ini- vincing might be a common Germantiatives (Foundation for German-Polish Polish intervention. Therefore, the folCooperation) and even a bi-National lowing questions might be of practical Chamber of Commerce. Finally, a bilat- interest: eral agency charged exclusively with What were the main agents in the prosupporting youth exchanges (German- cess of German-Polish reconciliation? Polish Youth Office) has been estab- What was and what is today the role of lished along with the German-Polish civil society, the governments and pritreaty dating from 1991. vate companies? What does all of this mean? TransnaUnder what conditions can bilateral tional relations cannot be measured as cooperation in Europe develop? What easy as foreign trade. But opinion polls processes worked in favor of Germanhelp. Indicators have become more and Polish reconciliation? more positive. For example; a study pubIs political will cemented by a bilateral lished in 2011 by the renowned German treaty? for example the German-Polish Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion case. Or is it free trade and economic exResearch shows a number of develop- change that pave the way for reconciliments. Back in 1991, Polish perception ation and a good neighbourhood? And of Germans ranged -0,35 on a sympathy “Today, cooperation and exchange between scale (from Poland and Germany penetrate government -5 to +5) was puband all spheres of society” lished by Malte Koppe the German magazine DER SPIEGEL. Years later the Polish account for a significant increase, and how important is the common memberthis is reciprocal. This is not all theory, ship in a larger community (e.g. EU) in we can observe outcomes in practice: order to work together? For example, Poland is the Eastern Without doubt there are also backneighbor with whom Germany has the lashes in mutual cooperation and theremost of its town twinnings. fore the following questions needs to be posed as well. A new mission - promoting the When does cooperation fail? How to successes achieved and trilateral prevent this from happening and how to cooperation overcome breakdowns? Despite all these successes, it has been Is it the will to dominate (and outargued that people active in the Polish- smart) the partner that leads to conflict German relationship form an inner cir- in bilateral relations? In economic and cle of converted enthusiasts alienated political terms, an imbalance between from their societies. Others claim that Germany and Poland has often been just because of all the progress made observed. Under which conditions does there are currently no controversial is- disparity lead to the domination of one sues Poles and Germans need to talk party in a bilateral relationship? Or can about. A phantom of disinterest regard- such an imbalance even stabilize a reing the partner is roaming around. Both lationship (“learning from the older arguments bare some truth. This is why brother-phenomenon”)? decision makers and advocates for the The best Germany and Poland could German-Polish cause should become do for the Europe of the 21st century is to aware that Poles and Germans together share experience and spread the results. can give a good example for other European countries. The successes of twenty

THE FORUM POST Forum Spotlights IMPRESSIONS

Participants voice Justyna Górniak, Poland

POINT OF VIEW This year’s Economic Forum of Young Leaders gathers more than 3 hundred people from 34 countries. “10 years ago I was in your shoes. I attended similar events like this one” said Artur Orzechowski, member of management board in one of the most successful companies in Poland. Aliaksandr Zarembiuk, a social activist from Belarus now lives in Poland, and works for the Belarusian Information House Foundation. He is attending the forum for the first time. “I have heard good opinions about the forum from my colleagues, that is why I have applied. I am surprised by participants, in a positive way,” he says. “You can meet people from different countries and, therefore, get new perspec- Aliaksandr Zarembiuk tives,” “For instance, not everybody knows what the situation in Belarus is, so they can get to know more from me and another Belarusians’’. “ Of course, we do have a lot of information from all over the world because of the media, but news cannot replace face-to- face conversation.” stresses Aliaksandr. Aliaksandr has come for the event with an aim, networking. He wants to meet people who are interested in the same topic as he is. Supporting democracy in Belarus. “I will definitely stay in touch with many participants from this year’s forum. We have already come up with ideas for the future projects and we will definitely organize them’’ “Contact making is very important” agrees Filip Ślęzak from the Centre of Young Diplomats. He took part in 2 previous editions of the forum “ For instance, 2 years ago during the forum he met a guy who inspired him to apply for an internship in the European Parliament.” Moreover, Despo HadGoran Grubešić ijapanayiotou, who works for Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation also pointed out that networking is one of the reasons why she has come to the forum. “ It’s my first time here. I have decided to attend the event because this is a perfect opportunity to promote my association and find people who would like to cooperate with us.” She says. Goran Grubešić, who runs a student debate organization based in Sarajevo took part in the forum for the second time. “I do like the fact that in one place you can meet people who come from different backgrounds” he says. The forum attracts young activists, NGO workers, policymakers and entrepreneurs. “It’s great that people with various points of view gather here...you cannot be a good leader if you...do not respect different points of view” Goran points out. “United in diversity - that is the main idea of European Union,” recalls Filip Ślęzak “The Economic Forum of Young Leaders and other similar events are necessary to reach that goal and make Europe truly integrated.” The forum is also a chance for young people to meet and confront public figures. This could be European politicians and entrepreneurs. This year the forum hosted Georgian pres- Filip Ślęzak ident, Mikcheil Saakashvili. “This edition does not have too many guest from ‘A list’ though, in comparison with previous editions” says Filip. “Especially this year, during the polish presidency in the EU our leaders should be more willing to attend the forum, and...encourage us to be active and take part in creating the future, our future,” he adds. During the forum young leaders also get the experience to become efficient in the public sphere. Aliaksandr Zarembiuk puts that into the Belarusian context “We do need people with certain skills, who could establish democracy in Belarus. The problem is that young Belarusians study in western countries, they get professional experience, but cannot use their skills in Belarus now. We will face the transforma-

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tion, sooner or later. That is why it’s so important to know how other countries coped with that process. Today it is a perfect time for them to get new perspectives. The forum is a perfect place for that” Regardless of the political situation in European countries, there is a need for new, fresh ideas coming from the youth. Despo stresses that the majority of young people are not interested in being active in their societies. “ It happens in Greece, it happens everywhere. ” she says. “People in their twenties too often just don’t want, or do not have an opportunity to undertake this challenge. The report titled “The Youth of 2011”, has been recently published in Poland by minister Michał Boni. Its conclusion is quite pessimistic, like Despo’s statement. In Nowy Sącz, this lack of energy to change the world does not have a place. “It is all up to us, the youth of today’s Europe.” says Despo. “If we don’t want to be active citizens with a strong will to get involved and make some positive changes in our countries, who will do it instead of us?”

Time for a new generation Robert Thompson, USA

OPINION afternoon was kicked off with an inspiring speech by the Economic Forum’s special guest, Presidet Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia as well as a panel discussion chaired by members representing a cross section of Poland’s civil society. The evening was concluded with a speech by Aaron Davis, representing Schneider Electric, who had advice for those interested in leading the world’s green technology revolution. President Saakashvili could not emphasize enough the crucial role at which “20 and 30 something’s” had played in the transformation of Georgia and for placing the country on a trajectory bound for success. Even today, Georgia’s civil society is not comprised of old and dogmatic career politicians but with young people brimming with fresh ideas and who possess a keen sense of the benefits to be had from nurturing an open society. Both of which, a fundamental break from Georgia’s Soviet era government and an embracement of a free and open economy is beneficial. Georgia’s recent success can in part be attributed to the seizing of opportunity and a willingness to take risks. However, as noted by the panel as well as Mr. Davis, opportunity is often times created by one’s own ambition and perseverance in the face of adversity. The very adversity that this “The circumstances are ripe for the ushering in generation of young leaders is of an entirely new generation of thinking” facing, as will following generations, is in part due to global Robert Thompson climate change. Just as climate change is a product of a flattened world, mitigation of its negative consequences lay in the positive opportunities presented by that same, flat, and increasingly interconnected planet. Today’s entrepreneurs and pioneers of green technology have to think on a global scale and a vast field, prime for development, lay before this generation waiting to be seized. The common message could not have been more fitting for today’s youth who are finding themselves in an unfavorable economic environment, of which they bear no responsibility for creating. When taken together, the economic crisis and the ever pressing issues presented by climate change, problems are presenting themselves at every corner. But, for every problem there is an opportunity and a solution. The circumstances are ripe for the ushering in of an entirely new generation of thinking, molded by the personal initiative and fresh ideas of today’s young leaders who will shape this new generation into their own image, far and away from the images which characterize previous generations. Today’s college graduates face a world much different from the world faced by those who graduated only five years ago. Jobs were waiting for those who asked themselves, “what job do you have to give me”. Today’s graduates will separate themselves from their predecessors by asking themselves not “what job can I take” but “what job can I create”.

Forum Spotlights IMPRESSIONS

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Get into the Energy market Mathew Davies, UK

THE stories confronting humanity because of climate change may have receded in the mainstream media, however, Aaron Davis, chief Marketing Officer, and member of the executive committee, had a lot to say on the issue. He works for Shneider electric, ‘the largest unknown company in the world’. He delivered a highly interactive presentation on day 2 of the forum. He shared his background, drawing on his beginnings in his families company. Then emphasized the need to mitigate climate

change, and pointed out that it ‘’doesn’t one child policy) comes the necessity matter what the cause is, the solution is to manage energy efficiently. A series of the same’ essentially, we need to turn questions were asked which challenged the lights off. This may seem detrimen- some of these assumptions. tal to the interests of a businessman in the field of energy. Conversely, he wanted to point out the imperative to invest in the field “You make your own luck” of energy manageAaron Davis, Schnedier Electric ment. He believes that with population growth (an advocate of China’s

The migration issue is complex This is certainly true since the Arab Springs and a multitude of political inMIGRATION This year has been a chal- terventions which have called internal lenge for the EU and two of its central migration policy into question. The Panpolicies. This is not a new subject, el at the forum included Ruth Ferrerohowever, the intensity regarding the Turrion, Political Advisor to the Prime Ministers office in Spain. And ChrisEuro and Schengen is. tophe Leclercq, founder and publisher of EurAc“Well done for raising this topic which is not tiv. Ruth Ferrero an easy topic to raise” emphaChristophe Leclercq, Founder & Publisher sized the EurActiv.com i m p o r tance of distinguishing between Mathew Davies, UK

internal migrants and external migrant, and the important role of language in this topic. Christophe Leclercq was an advocate of transcending limitations wrought by visa’s and would like to see many layers of access rather than extremities with respect to migration. He said that ‘’visa’s belonged in the 19th century’’. There was a very interesting discussion between them, and the audience asked a series of questions which enriched this further. The guests spent time discussing the topic with participants after the panel, and were interviewed by www.europeanweb.tv.

How can we make co-operation work! Malte Koppe, Germany

COOPERATION The point of this panel was to explore the following question. How can we overcome the problems of a difficult past in a bilateral relationship? Based on the experience of the German-Polish case, Dietmar Nietan (German Parliament Bundestag) stressed that awareness of his-

tory of the partner is essential. Both should be in constant dialogue about their national historical narratives.

each other on occasion such as national holidays. All panelists agreed though, that there is not one perfect solution for cooperation among societies and countries. Each bilateral partnership has to find solutions appropriate for their historical context, economic and geopolitical solution. This was the central message of the panel.

Tomasz Różniak (Nowy Staw Foundation) added that it is the young generation that counts. They should have the chance to meet their colleagues from the neighboring country. Markus Meckel (Former Foreign Minister of the GDR) summarized that inclusion is important: The partners should, for example, invite Print of the newspaper supported by the

Foundation of Polish - German Cooperation

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