The debates, hosted in partnership with King’s College London and the Centre for European Reform (CER), will bring together senior officials from business, government, academia and think tanks to explore the evolving EU / UK relationship following this year’s UK election.
The initial debates are by invitation only, and will culminate in a major summit in Spring 2016. Guests will contribute to the discussion of the critical policies and trends that are changing the tides on the continent, and and how and why the EU might need to reform itself.
Roula Khalaf, FT’s foreign editor, said: “The Financial Times has a long-established presence in Europe with a 465-strong editorial team, and it remains one of our most important markets. We reach more business decision-makers in Europe than any other international news organisation, and have seen a 71% increase in European digital subscribers in the last five years. This series of debates is a significant initiative about a pivotal issue that draws on our deep editorial experience and expertise in the region.”
The inaugural event on 29 April was hosted at the FT by comment and analysis editor Frederick Studemann. Speakers were:
* Andy Bagnall, Director of Campaigns and Governance, Confederation of British Industry
* Professor Geoffrey Evans, Co-Director of the 2015 British Election Study. Official Fellow in Politics at Nuffield College, University of Oxford
* Charles Grant, Director, Centre for European Reform (CER)
* George Parker, Political Editor, Financial Times
The initiative follows a string of editorial hires to strengthen the FT’s European coverage, including the appointment of Alex Barker as European diplomatic editor, based in Brussels.
