50th Anniversary of the Werner Report

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Werner Report, it is well worth analysing the role of Economic and Monetary Union at a time of uncertainty as to the wider European project, via an interdisciplinary approach that draws on historical and archive research and takes into consideration the theoretical debates in the literature and the various methodological challenges.

The conference began by looking at the modernity of the Werner Report, which proved to be a blueprint for the Economic and Monetary Union; several of its recommendations are still on the agenda today.

Through the collaboration between Robert Triffin, Jean Monnet and Pierre Werner as reflected in the archives, the key role of various figures, networks and institutions in monetary unification and in shaping Economic and Monetary Union has been highlighted. A closer look has been taken at how the Economic and Monetary Union created the monetary, financial and fiscal stability that Europe needed to overcome periods of difficulty such as the global financial crisis and its repercussions.

Finally, the experts explored the multifaceted future challenges facing Economic and Monetary Union: what steps still need to be taken to complete the project? How can we strengthen the international role of the euro and bolster Europe’s economic and financial autonomy? How can we best tackle technological developments in the field of money and finance? And how is the COVID-19 crisis testing the boundaries of the European integration?

Organisers

Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C²DH)/University of Luxembourg, in cooperation with EUI Florence (The Pierre Werner Chair Programme on Monetary Union), Robert Triffin International (RTI) and the Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe (FJME), and with the support of the Robert Schuman Initiative for European Affairs (RSI), the Europe Direct Information Centre at the University of Luxembourg (EDIC), the Banque centrale du Luxembourg (BCL), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU), the Bridge Forum-Dialogue (BFD) and the Fondation du Mérite Européen (FME).

Series of events held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Werner Report

6 October 2020

Inauguration of the photo exhibition “The early days of Economic and Monetary Union. Pierre Werner, a pragmatic visionary” – University of Luxembourg, Maison du Savoir (Belval). [Partners: University of Luxembourg (C2DH, Europe Direct Information Centre (EDIC)), Pierre Werner Family Archives, Historical Archives of the European Union, Fondation du Mérite Européen]

Welcome: Catherine Léglu, Professor, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, University of Luxembourg
Opening addresses:
- Andreas Fickers, Professor, Director of the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History, University of Luxembourg
- Jacques Santer, Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1984-1995), President of the European Commission (1995-2000, President of the Fondation du Mérite Européen
- Dieter Schlenker, Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union, Florence

The Bridge – Forum Dialogue, outstanding event: “The Economic And Monetary Union By Stages – Anniversaries of the Werner Report and the Euro Rescue Funds”

Introduction by Pierre Gramegna, Luxembourg Minister of Finance
Panel discussion with Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank; Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank; Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission; Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup and Chairperson of the ESM Board of Governors; Klaus Regling, Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism
Conclusion: Stéphane Pallage, Professor, Rector of the University of Luxembourg

7-8 October 2020

International conference “The Werner Report, 50 Years On. Economic and Monetary Union in Uncertain Times: Learning from the Past to Navigate the Future” – University of Luxembourg, Maison des Arts et des Étudiants

Three keynotes – Loukas Tsoukalis, Professor, Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, Paris; President of the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), Athens; Harold James, Professor, Princeton University, USA; Yves Mersch, Member of the European Central Bank Executive’s Board – 12 sections (plenary and parallel), two round tables
75 participants from Europe and the USA, in-person and virtual presentations

8 October 2020

Hybrid event (in person and online): Lecture and debate – “Crunch time for the Economic and Monetary Union”
[Partners: Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History/University of Luxembourg; Europe Direct Information Centre University of Luxembourg, Fondation du Mérite Européen, Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg Times]

Welcome: Elena Danescu, Research Scientist, Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C²DH), Coordinator of the Europe Direct Centre at the University of Luxembourg (EDIC)
Opening Address: Jacques Santer, Prime Minister, Minister of State and Minister for Finance of Luxembourg (1984‒1995), President of the European Commission (1995‒1999)
Lecture: Niels Thygesen, Emeritus Professor University of Copenhagen, President of the European Fiscal Board
Debate with
- André Sapir, Professor, Senior Research Fellow, Bruegel
- Niels Thygesen, Emeritus Professor University of Copenhagen, President of the European Fiscal Board
- Douwe Miedema, Editor in Chief – Luxembourg Times

8-9 October 2020

Online event: “A Dynamic Economic and Monetary Union – Workshop” – Partners: EUI Florence, European Stability Mechanism (ESM), University of Luxembourg

9 October 2020

Online Research Seminar: “The Future of Money in the Digital Age. Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. Digital Currencies vs Sovereign Currencies: Potential Implications for the Economic and Monetary Union.” Lecture followed by a debate
- Claus Brand, expert, European Central Bank