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50 years of European unity marked by conference

16 March 2007

50 years of European unity marked by conference

On 22 March Chatham House will host a conference, organized by the European Movement, marking 50 years of European unity. To mark the anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, Geoff Hoon, Minister for Europe, Peter Mandelson, EU Commissioner for Trade, and Kenneth Clarke, former UK Chancellor, will be among a number of high-level speakers who will outline their visions for Europe in the next 50 years.

On 25 March, the European Union celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome. This is an important opportunity to mark the achievements of the EU. It is also a key moment to look ahead to the new challenges and opportunities of the global age, and how the EU can deliver for its citizens in the next 50 years.Geoff Hoon MP, Minister for Europe

The conference which is being jointly organised with the European Movement will discuss a number of key topics surrounding the future of the EU and its relations with the UK. Peter Mandelson and Reijo Kemppinen, head of EC representation in the UK will discuss the future of the EU in British politics. Other discussion areas will include the achievements of the EU in the past half century, and the future challenges.

During the conference a major new piece of art work will also be unveiled and presented to Chatham House in commemoration of Europe at 50. The artwork portrays a panoramic view of Europe from Spain across the continent including notable landmarks.

To attend the conference please contact:

Sam Hardy
Chatham House Press Office
+44 (0) 20 7957 5739
+44 (0) 07946 642 205

Notes to Editors:

About the artist:

David Borrington was born in Derby in 1984 with severe learning difficulties, he attended Alderwasley Hall School for special needs children. Diagnosed with Severe Dyslexia with Expressive Dyspraxia, Borrington graduated from Norwich School of Art and Design with 1st Class Honours in 2006 and is currently completing a Masters in Printmaking at the Royal College of Art in London.

About the commission

Europe sans frontiéres, Etching, 24" x 34" on Somerset Cream Paper.

The work is about the unification and collaboration of the peoples of Europe. The print envisions a Europe without limitations either geographical or social. The image contains recognizable landmarks and objects of curiosity found in the founding nations of the Treaty of Rome.Chamber Orchestra of Europe

The conference will include a short performance by the Chamber Orchestra of Europe (COE). In 2006 the COE celebrated its Silver Jubilee. It was founded in 1981 by 38 young European musicians who wanted to build on their experience of European cooperation. The COE now brings together some of the best professional musicians from fifteen different European nationalities.