COMUNICATION

Yuste Foundation Brings Felipe González, Javier Solana and Marcelino Oreja Together in Order to Discuss the Future of Europe

The European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation organises the webinar “Quo Vadis, Europa?… in the Post-Covid Era”, which will take place on 6 May at 5.30 p.m., to commemorate Europe Day and to mark the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe, which will take place on 9 May. (27/04/2021)

Given that the current circumstances prevent the celebration of the 14th Carlos V European Award ceremony for the time being, Yuste Foundation did not want to miss the opportunity to commemorate such a special date. That is why it has brought the three Spanish personalities who have received the Carlos V European Award together: Felipe González (2000), Javier Solana (2011) and Marcelino Oreja (2017), so that they may jointly analyse the current situation and the challenges facing the European Union and reflect on its future, especially in view of the fact that the Conference on the Future of Europe will be launched at that time. The latter is an initiative in which the civil society, European citizens and institutions, such as Yuste Foundation, are called to contribute to and participate in the process of European construction and integration and to define its future, and in which we have placed great hopes.

Following the individual speeches, a debate between the three participants will follow in a dialogue format, which will be complemented by questions from the audience.

The event will be moderated by the Director-General of External Action of the Regional Government of Extremadura and President of Yuste Foundation’s Executive Commission, Rosa Balas Torres.

Those interested can register free of charge, to follow and participate with their questions via the following link: https://app.livestorm.co/fundacion-yuste/webinario-quo-vadis-europa-en-la-era-post-covid?type=detailed

The webinar can also be followed live through Yuste Foundation’s YouTube channel and its website.

Carlos V European Award

The European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation created the Carlos V European Award to reward the work of those people, organisations, projects or initiatives that, with their effort and dedication, have contributed to the general knowledge and enhancement of the cultural, social, scientific and historical values of Europe, as well as to the process of European construction and integration. During the award ceremony, the Royal Monastery of Yuste brings the most prestigious personalities at European, national and regional level together. The Carlos V European Award represents the spirit of building a united Europe.

As for the winners who will meet in the webinar on 6 May, Felipe González Márquez received the Carlos V European Award on 9 October 2000 in an event presided over by T.M. the King and Queen of Spain. The jury stressed that “the incorporation of Spain into the EEC, after more than twenty years of waiting, on 1 January 1986, meant the incardination of Spain in its natural framework, the definitive consolidation of democracy and the overcoming of a centuries-old distancing from Europe. The figure of Felipe González and that of the Government he presided over catalysed and channelled the expectations of a vast majority of Spaniards, of all political orientation and social class, who yearned for full integration in Europe, with all the rights and duties of the other Member States”.

The award ceremony for Javier Solana Madariaga was held on 11 February 2011 in an event presided over by His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias. The jury awarded the work of Javier Solana “for his career and commitment to European international policy and his work in favour of peace and democracy as High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union”.

Marcelino Oreja Aguirre received the Award on 9 May 2017 in a ceremony under the presidency of His Majesty the King. The jury recognised “his lifelong contribution to the process of European construction and integration, which he has devoted his energies to from the various positions he has held in both national and European organisations, including those of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe and European Commissioner. His contributions in the academic field and concerning civil society have been equally active and fruitful. It is also worth mentioning his tireless work to promote the idea of Europe and the enhancement of European values, especially those related to European cultural diversity and the protection of human rights”.

Conference on the Future of Europe

The Conference on the Future of Europe is a series of debates and discussions involving citizens that will enable people across Europe to share their ideas and contribute to shaping our common future.

It is the first conference of its kind: it is a major pan-European democratic exercise that offers a new public forum for an open, inclusive and transparent debate with citizens around a number of key priorities and challenges.

Further information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/new-push-european-democracy/conference-future-europe_en