Continuing in the tradition of our Lecture Series, the IRC played host to Mr. Angelos Pangratis, Charge d’ Affaires and Acting Head of Delegation from the EU to the US.

Mr. Pangratis is the highest ranking official the EU has in the United States and came to share his views on the state of the EU now that the Lisbon Treaty has been passed. The lecture was held in the beautiful Copley Lounge, decorated with the flags and colors of the EU.

Mr. Pangratis began by discussing how EU foreign policy is decided and the changes that will occur under the Lisbon Treaty. In summary, the Lisbon Treaty is essentially streamlining and simplifying the processes required to set foreign policy within the EU.

The EU is also restructuring their leadership so that decisions no longer necessitate unanimity to implement. This brought up questions of national sovereignty and the existence of the EU as a superstate. Mr. Pangratis was quick to dismiss these concerns and reassure the audience that the EU has all intention of remaining a body based on consensus and respect for national sovereignty.

Stay tuned for more updates about our Lecture Series!

- Grant Gibson

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