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Topics in the NewsThe Bled Strategic Forum is organising its second annual conference with the working title “EU Enlargement and Integration, a Parallel Process” in Bled, Slovenia, on 26 and 27 August 2007. The Conference will bring together government representatives at the highest level, politicians, EU officials, private sector leaders and senior representatives from think tanks and the non-governmental sector to examine current and possible future interaction between the processes of integration and enlargement. The December 2006 European Council conclusions set the framework for future enlargements and the ongoing efforts to resolve the constitutional reform that has been paralyzed by two negative referenda on the Treaty on the Constitution for Europe. Through an interactive and informal debate the Conference aims at contributing to an objective discussion on current and possible future interaction between the processes of integration and enlargement. Participants will be invited to engage with decision-makers to fully grasp the importance of both processes, and to clarify the interest of the industry and politics. The Conference will cover four topics: Rethinking EU Enlargement – Cost and Benefits of an Expanded Europe; Solving the Paradox of Deepened Integration – the Future of EU Integration Process; Strengthening Strategic Dialogue with Major Powers; and Energy and Climate Security: Opportunities and Risks for the Future EU Economy. |