On 21 November 2018 METRO AG in cooperation with the European Movement International, Forum Europe and EuroCommerce hosted the 10th Brussels Wednesday Social, which was attended by over 250 guests from politics, business and civil society.

The world is experiencing increasing uncertainty, volatility, and divided societies. Institutions, principles, values, which once seemed stable, are constantly questioned and can no longer be taken for granted. Protectionism, economic nationalism, populism, and identity politics are on the rise. Many people distrust global institutions, conventional governments, international cooperation, and multinational companies. Can the European Union still fulfil its promises of freedom, democracy, peace, prosperity, and open societies in these circumstances?

The new format with two panel discussions and a keynote interview brought together once again people from different areas of expertise who shared their perspectives and views on the impact of protectionism on open societies and the world economy.

In his opening speech, Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General of the European Movement International, highlighted that the EU is going through a crucial, defining moment, since a new wave of populistic and nationalistic politics is threatening long-fought successes such as open societies, democracy and peace in Europe. Moreover, he emphasised that it was important and high time for citizens to “stand up for Europe, for democracy, for openness” and considered the upcoming European elections in May 2019 as a unique possibility to take a clear stand and defend such values.

Agenda

16:00 – 16:30 Registration & Welcome Coffee

16:30 – 16:35 Introductory Remarks by Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General, European Movement International

16:35 – 17:30 Panel 1: Open Societies and Protectionism moderated by Paul Adamson, Chairman, Forum Europe

• Jeremy Wates, Secretary General, The European Environmental Bureau
• Marco Cilento, Senior Advisor, European Trade Union Confederation
• Corinna Horst, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, GMF
• Carl Dolan, Director, Transparency International EU

17:30 – 18:00 Keynote Interview – Paul Adamson in conversation with Alex Barker, Brussels Bureau Chief, the Financial Times

18:00 – 18:05 Introductory Remarks by Christian Verschueren, Director General, EuroCommerce

18:00 – 19:00 Panel 2: World Economy and Protectionism moderated by Katrina Sichel, Communications Specialist

• Karl Brauner, Deputy Director General, WTO
• Cora Jungbluth, Senior Expert International Trade and Investment, Bertelsmann Foundation
• Olaf Koch, CEO, METRO AG

19:00 – 19:15 Closing Remarks by Maria Heider, Director EU Affairs, METRO AG

19:15 Dinner Reception (walking buffet)

“A better EU requires choosing the right moments to criticise” – Jeremy Wates, SecGen of @Green_Europe at #WSBRU pic.twitter.com/z5vB9nGkv6

— EuroCommerce (@EuroCommerce) November 21, 2018

"Think about #Europe and all the things we have achieved. It's unique, and we need to remind that to people"
These meaningful words by Olaf Koch, CEO of @METRO_EU at #WSBRU, where @JADEnetwork is present

— Isabella Florio (@florio_isabella) November 21, 2018

The event was part of a series of discussions entitled ‘Prospects for Europe’, launched in March 2017 by the partners of the Wednesday Social, with the aim to foster debate on an innovative and sustainable vision for the EU, involving stakeholders from civil society, political institutions and the business community.

In partnership with

With the kind sponsorship of