President of the European Commission, His Excellency Mr José Manuel Barroso presented his sole public lecture during his visit to Australia at the ANU.

Shared futures: Europe and Australia in the 21st century

The European Union is the largest integrated economic area in the world, the biggest trading bloc, and a centre of research and technology for the future. His Excellency Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, visited ANU and delivered a public lecture on Tuesday 6 September. His presentation centred on the European Union's place in the world and specifically the complexities of this Union, as well as Europe's relationship with Australia.

The world is experiencing a great rebalancing of power, mostly centred around the Asia-Pacific. However, the rise of this region does not mean the demise of Europe. The European Union is and will remain a global player, as the largest integrated economic area in the world, the biggest trading bloc, and a centre of research and technology for the future. President Barroso addressed the new approaches to external relations for the EU and its Member States demanded by these new realities, from the starting position that the EU sees Australia as a key global partner. The Framework Agreement is the institutional expression of the privileged EU-Australia economic and political partnership, reflecting our deeply intertwined modern histories which make us standard-bearers for freedom, open markets, the rule of law and human rights. President Barroso outlined why we must further join our efforts, whether addressing pressing issues from the Arab Spring or the Pacific Neighbourhood, and how we must co-operate through forums such as the UN and the G20 on global economic imbalances and in meeting responsibilities such as pricing carbon and reducing emissions. 

The lecture was chaired by Professor Ian Young, Vice-Chancellor of The Australian National University.