Polish Society at the LSE

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Prime Minister Marek Belka at the LSE: "The Perspective of the Enlarged European Union in the Global Economic Arena"
30 October 2005

Mr Belka and LSE Chair Dr Willem Buiter

Prime Minister Marek Belka returned to the LSE after more than a decade to address LSE students and staff on the subject of the current and future role of the enlarged EU in the global economy. The lecture was chaired by LSE prof. Willem Buiter, former Chief Economic Adviser at the EBRD.

PM Belka outlined the rise of China and India, as well as the future growth of Ukraine, Russia and other EU's eastern neighbors, as important developments that will change the global economy and that will bring a challenge to the European 'social' model. PM Belka compared the last wave of enlargement to a 'vaccine,' which although difficult in the short run has given the EU a dosage of globalization and prepared Europe better for future growth. The Prime Minister touched upon the need for further reforms, in particular in R&D, the CAP, and investment in human capital, as well as further liberalization, so that the EU can remain competitive and continue growing in the long run.

The lecture was a great success, with everyone highly satisfied with the level of insight the PM gave into the topic, his easy-going style of speech and occasional humorous anecdotes, as well as specific feedback on the issues that Poland has faced and overcome during transition, as well as the issues it faces now and will have to overcome in the future.

(for more pictures from this event, please go to our picture galleries)