Laurence Boone, French Minister of European Affairs, gave a lecture at the ENGAGE.EU Summer School on July 25, 2023. Her audience included students from nine ENGAGE.EU partner universities who participated in the ENGAGE.EU Summer School at the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
European integration was the central theme of her lecture. Boone emphasized the expansion of the EU as a critical pillar for strengthening Europe’s geopolitical influence. She argued against keeping the Western Balkans and Ukraine outside the EU.
In addition, Boone emphasized the importance of a solid economic foundation, given the EU’s substantial population, trade volume, and investment potential. She suggested that Europe should strive for energy independence and sustainable industrial production. Boone also emphasized the importance of prioritizing social and environmental criteria in the contemporary business world.
After her lecture, Boone answered various questions from students, always emphasizing Europe’s role in the world in prioritizing democracy and the rule of law.
The ENGAGE.EU Summer School 2023 took place from 17 to 28 July 2023 at WU, Vienna University of Economics and Business, with an online kick-off session on 7 June 2023. The theme of the Summer School was “Transformation to Sustainability: challenges and solutions”.
The Summer School was an intensive academic program which addressed the transformation to sustainability in Europe from various perspectives, including business, law, economics, climate change, international relations, and demographic change.