Event Summary
Munich Young Leaders meet for virtual discussion on Europe’s role in the world in times of COVID-19
On October 26, 2020, the Munich Security Conference and Körber-Stiftung hosted the second virtual discussion event with alumni of their joint "Munich Young Leaders" program. More than 60 alumni from all over the world discussed the various security challenges Europe is facing and which are accelerated by the current pandemic.
The Munich Young Leaders (MYL), a joint program of the Munich Security Conference and Körber-Stiftung, include current and potential leaders in governmental institutions, parliaments, think tanks the media and the private sector. More than 60 MYL alumni came together on October 26, 2020 for a virtual discussion event, titled “MYL Around the World: Zoom in on Europe”. Together with guest speaker Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, they discussed the role of Europe in the current, drastically changing world.
Margrethe Vestager started off the event with a keynote speech focusing on the digital future of Europe:
There is no doubt that digitization has taken root at the center of geopolitics. It is now clear that in a world increasingly defined by great power competition, the race for technological supremacy will only accelerate.Margrethe Vestager•Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age
One answer to these challenges could be found in a more resilient and assertive European Union.
The second part of the event was structured into three “breakout-sessions” where participants could discuss one of three topics in more detail: seizing the (post-)pandemic moment for a stronger union; Europe’s stance on migration and the concept of “flexible solidarity”; and the role of the EU in neighboring conflicts.
About MYL Around the World
The event was the second in a series of digital “MYL Around the World” meetings. The next one will take place in late November 2020, under the title “Zoom in on the US”.
