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International Programs

  • Rome
    • 29 April 2005
     
     

    The Balkans in Europe’s future

      From the international workshop organized by Aspen Institute Italia at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emerged a proposal to draw up a “road map for the Balkans”. Participants met before an ample audience to discuss the “The Balkans in Europe’s future” and to consider strategies to help integrate southeastern Europe into the EU and other international organizations. The Balkans are relatively stable, military conflict has ceased, ethnic cleansing is a thing of the past, and free elections have been held.

    • Rome
      • 11 November 2005
       
       

      Working lunch with the European Commissioner Peter Mandelson

        The working lunch with the European Commissioner Peter Mandelson has brought the attention to the delicate and complex issue of trade policy prior to the Doha Round scheduled in December in Hong Kong. Participants generally agreed that greater caution is required in further trade liberalization: Italy needs more time to prepare for trade challenges that arrive mainly from China, India – in the IT sector – and from the "green giant" Brazil.

      • Rome
        • 1 December 2005
         
         

        Dinner in honor of the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Ronald P. Spogli

          The meeting with the US Ambassador to Italy Ronald P. Spogli was an important occasion for Aspen Institute Italia and its members. During the evening the Ambassador illustrated the objectives of his mission to Italy, underlining the excellent relations between Italy and the United States achieved through mutual political and military support in the fight against terrorism. Participants agreed on the need for greater economic exchanges which would favor trade relations that, albeit good, can still be improved.

        • Rome
          • 8 February 2005
           
           

          Rethinking globalization: Italy’s role in EU-India relations

            This workshop, held in Aspen’s Rome offices on the eve of Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi’s trip to India, involved authoritative members of India’s English-speaking press. Participants considered conditions necessary for better economic and political relations between the EU and India. Special attention was dedicated to Italy’s role in reinforcing bilateral relations and in increasing trade and direct investment to a country that experts agree will soon represent a serious competitor on international markets.

          • Florence
            • 8 July 2005
             
             

            The West, the BRICs and the rest: a global agenda for the transatlantic economy

              The Aspen Dialogue on World Economy, each year, reflects on prevalent trends both in the medium and long term. In 2005, the conference took place just one day after the tragic terrorist attacks in London. Participants, thus, focussed on the pressures weighing down on Western economies both from the uncertainties and insecurities inspired by renewed violent international terrorism, and from the emergence of important new players on the international scene (specifically China, India, Russia and Brazil).

            • Rome
              • 15 September 2005
               
               

              Ageing in Europe: turning weakness into strength

                Italy is the oldest country in Europe: two Italians out of ten are over 65; life expectancy is high and the birth rate is low; the pension system is particularly burdensome as many Italian workers retire earlier than their OECD counterparts – though productivity remains comparable since the older the worker, generally, the higher the salary. The country’s public debt is increasing while productivity is going down: Italy needs to modify its Welfare State. The contractual model demands tweaking so as to directly link salaries with productivity and to keep older workers on the job.

              • Rome
                • 27 May 2005
                 
                 

                Africa: our common interest

                  The International Workshop “Africa: our common interest” was organized at the Rome City Hall to present the Commission for Africa Report. British prime minister Tony Blair made a special appearance at the event, and was welcomed by Italy’s deputy prime minister (and Chairman of Aspen Italia) Giulio Tremonti.