Robert Schuman Lecture
On the economic and social future of Europe
Robert Schuman (1886 – 1963) was a Luxembourg-born French politician, who is regarded as a founder of the European Union. His famous declaration of 09 May, 1950 laid down the parameters for the Coal and Steel Community, which later evolved into the institution we know today as the European Union.
The Robert Schuman Lecture focuses on an economic and political vision for Europe, with particular attention on economic integration. So far, the following Lectures have taken place:
2011
Christiana Figueres, executive secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Watch The 2011 Robert Schuman Lecture by Christiana Figueres in full
2010
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, commissioner for research and innovation, European Commission
"How to Drive Forward Innovation in Europe"
Download the speech
2009
Felipe González, head of High-Level Reflection Group on Future of Europe and former prime minister of Spain
"The Future of Europe: Towards a 21st Century Vision"
2008
Fatih Birol, chief economist and head of the economic analysis division, International Energy Agency (IEA)
"Climate change challenges and the 450 stabilisation case: Capping CO2 emissions"
Download Dr. Birol’s presentation slides
2007
Angel Gurría, secretary-general, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
“Human Capital: Europe's Next Frontier"
Download Angel Gurría’s remarks
2006
Leszek Balcerowicz, president, National Bank of Poland
“The Lessons of Catching Up”
Download Professor Balcerowicz’s presentation slides here
2005
José Manuel Barroso, president, European Commission
“Creating a Europe of Opportunities”
Download President Barroso's remarks
2004
Wim Kok, chairman, employment taskforce, European Commission; former prime minister, The Netherlands
“Jobs, Growth and Employment”
2003
Martin Baily, senior fellow, Peterson Institute of International Economics; former chairman, Council of Economic Advisers (under US President Clinton)
“Transforming the European Economy”
