Europe’s collective defence strategy and its relationship with Russia are just two of the key themes set to be discussed at a series of high profile lectures over the coming weeks at the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS).
Among those due to deliver lectures are Vladimir Chizhov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the European Union, Dmitry Rogozin, Russian Federation Ambassador to NATO and Dr Jamie Shea, a Deputy Assistant Secretary General at NATO.
Titled Europe and its Neighbours, the University’s EU External Relations Lecture series brings together senior members of the Brussels diplomatic community, European decision-makers, researchers and postgraduate students to discuss key foreign policy issues.
Professor Roger Vickerman, Dean of BSIS, said the high profile line-up of speakers reflected the growing success of the lecture series.
‘The high quality list of speakers for this lecture series reflects both our academic reputation here in the heart of Brussels and the success of these lectures as a forum for debate.
‘We have postgraduate students drawn from over 50 countries studying international affairs and law and these lectures provide an ideal opportunity for them to analyse critically many of the major themes confronting the international community.
‘In addition, I believe our speakers value the debate with such a diverse student body as a sounding board for their own policies and strategies said Professor Vickerman.
The University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies EU Relations Series runs until 30 March. For full details see:http://www.kent.ac.uk/brussels/BSIS/news/stories/RELEX%20Lectures.html