On 8 November 2017, METRO AG, in cooperation with the European Movement International, EuroCommerce and Handelsblatt Global, hosted the 8th Brussels Wednesday Social, this time featuring Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Director of Studies at the European Policy Centre.

The event was part of a series of discussions launched in March 2017 by the partners of the Wednesday Social, with the aim to foster debate on an innovative and sustainable vision for the EU, while involving stakeholders from civil society, political institutions and the business community.

Watch the video of the event:

Together with the guests, Janis Emmanouilidis discussed how, in times of Brexit, populism, and mass population movements, the EU could still use the current window of opportunity to re-energise the integration process and regain the trust of the citizens. Furthermore, though there is now a sense of unity as a result of Brexit, it is important not to forget where populism came from and that the EU is not yet entirely storm-proof.

Further speakers on 8 November were Maria Heider, Director EU Affairs, Corporate Communications and Public Policy, METRO AG, and Christian Verschueren, Director-General, EuroCommerce. BBC business journalist Joe Lynam moderated the discussion that included questions and remarks from the audience. Mr Emmanouilidis pointed out that there was a renewed sense of optimism, which should be used by EU27 to broker a “win-win package deal” covering the economic, social and security dimensions and migration.

See the photos and find more details on the event here. You can also find out more about previous Wednesday Socials here.

Save the date: The next Brussels Wednesday Social will take place on 11 April 2018

Full house, diverse audience, and lively discussion at Brussels for Europe debate! #WSBRU @METRO_EU pic.twitter.com/5LVUtbGpfZ

— European Movement (@EMInternational) November 8, 2017