BBC Europe Editor Mark Mardell speaks to the IIEA Young Media Roundtable

"Immigrants: Does Europe Need Them?"

Mark Mardell, BBC Europe Editor, was the first speaker at the IIEA's Media Roundtable series which is part of the IIEA's Europe 2.0 project, sponsored by the European Commission. Mark addressed the roundtable on the topic of immigration in Europe. He addressed current issues such as public concern about migration, the EU’s requirement for skilled workers, the possible introduction of a Blue Card scheme and the future of the Dublin Accord. He also identified a number of areas in which closer cooperation may come about as a result of Lisbon Treaty provisions, such as a common migration and immigration policy, more coordinated active border patrols, common visa agreements for seasonal workers, resettlement packages for returned illegal immigrants and the establishment of special protection zones in places such as Africa. The group also discussed future trends such as the role of climate change as a new driver of migration.

Listen to the podcast www.iiea.com/audio/YPN/Mark Mandell.mp3
View the YouTube video below:



Media Roundtable on China and the EU with Conor O'Clery

In November 2008, the second Europe 2.0 Media Roundtable welcomed Conor O'Clery, former Irish Times foreign correspondent in Belfast, London, Moscow, Washington, Beijing and New York to address members.

He shared his experiences as a correspondent in Beijing and his observations on the political, economic and cultural changes that he witnessed during his time there. He also commented on China’s economic growth story and the relationship that the European Union has created with China and the broader role of the European Union in the world. Finally, he shared his predictions for the future of that relationship as a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) is negotiated.

To listen to the podcast of this event, click here www.iiea.com/audio/YPN/Conor O'Clery.MP3