In 2014 the European Movement organised a series of debates on civil society and TTIP, each focusing on different aspects of the potential agreement and hosted by a different European country, Poland, Germany, UK, Serbia, Norway and Finland.

Through the two cycles of Pan-European civil society TTIP debates, we aimed at creating space for a broad discussion outside the Brussels Bubble where different voices could be expressed. These EMI event series are an example of the role of the European Movement as a meeting point for all those who are pro-Europeans and believe in the benefits of the European cooperation, but might disagree in other aspects.

On 2 October 2014 we met in Brussels to conclude the discussion with Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht.

Commissioner De Gucht was joined by a panel of distinguished speakers:

• Jo Leinen MEP, President, European Movement International;
• Wim van Velzen, Senior European Policy Advisor of Covington & Burling, former Member of the European Parliament;
• John F. Sammis, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Mission to the EU;
• Marietje Schaake MEP;
• Monique Goyens, Director General at BEUC;
• Erik Brattberg, Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council & Asmus Fellow of the German Marshall Fund of the United States;
• Hendrik Bourgeois, Chair of the TTIP Task Force, AmCham EU.

“I do not have to explain the value of transatlantic cooperation to the European Movement. The founding of this organisation at the Hague Congress of 1948 took place against the backdrop of the Marshall Plan. Churchill’s opening speech noted that, “far from resenting the creation of United Europe, the American people welcome and ardently sustain the resurrection of what was called the Old World, now found in full partnership with the New.” Our aim with this deal is to continue that full partnership… … in order to create new opportunities for consumers, workers and entrepreneurs… … and to strengthen shared Atlantic values in a changing world” From the keynote speech of K. De Gucht at the EMI TTIP Summit

For the full report from the EMI event cycles and EMI TTIP Summit, click here
Take a look at the event photos here.