The annual Ifo Brussels International Economic Forum (Ifo BrIEF) - "Is Europe back on a Growth Track with its Energy Union and in Promoting Innovation?" was organised in Brussels on 05th November 2015 by the Munich-based Ifo Institute and hosted by the European Committee of the Regions. The series had the aim of strengthening the contribution of Europe’s economic expertise to European economic policy-making and providing a platform for prominent decision-makers from the world of European politics to meet with renowned economists and discuss core questions pertaining to Europe’s future.
The main speakers was Karl-Heinz Lambertz, first Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions, Hans-Werner Sinn, President, Ifo Institute and Jiří Buriánek, Secretary-General, European Committee of the Regions.
Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is trying to implement a radical energy turn-around, moving from nuclear to green energy. France, on the other hand, remains committed to nuclear fuel. Other countries are opting for different approaches. The panel discussed the question of whether these different approaches are mutually compatible and what needs to be done to create a unified energy policy in Europe, or an “Energy Union”.
More information you can find on the website of IFo Institute.