The ANU Centre for European Studies is honoured to have the Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Mr Stefano Sannino present the 2023 Schuman Lecture.

We live in times when the concept of global crises extends well beyond the traditional notion of global challenges. The impacts of Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine continue to reverberate across the world, and any changes in the dynamics in the Indo-Pacific are felt well beyond the region’s borders. The net of alliance building is being cast wider, and diversification - of partners, supply chains, and beyond – is paramount for stability, security, and prosperity. Consequently, the conceptual shift to the one global geopolitical arena is truly and well underway. Mr Sannino will address these topics in his Schuman lecture, and comment on the opportunities for the EU and Australia to build on their like-mindedness as we pursue deeper bilateral relations and coordinated action in global affairs.

Mr Stefano Sannino is the Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Before joining the EEAS, Mr Sannino built a successful career in the Italian diplomatic service. He served as the Italian Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, and as the Permanent Representative of Italy to the EU in Brussels. He was also OSCE Ambassador in Belgrade. In his EU career, he was notably Director General for Enlargement, worked in the Cabinet of the President of the Commission and in the Directorate General for External Relations as Deputy Director General for Asia and Latin America.

The Robert Schuman Lecture series celebrates the remarkable achievements of European integration since its modest beginnings in the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, announced in a declaration by French Foreign Minister Schuman. The Australian National University has recognised this achievement and foresight by coordinating the annual Schuman Lecture since 1996. The first lecture was delivered by Lord Leon Brittan, the then Vice-President of the European Commission. Since then, the University has coordinated annual Schuman Lectures by many distinguished speakers.

This year's Schuman Lecture is part of the ANUCES Jean Monnet project Liberal Democracy in Action.

Please arrive by 5:30pm for 6:00pm start.

The event will be followed by a reception.

Please note that parking at ANU can be difficult. We suggest using public transport, taxi, cycling, walking or allowing plenty of time to find a park. Please refer to the map (section 4C) to find the closest parking.