3. Alternative ECOFIN - Conference on EU economic and financial policy

April 03./04. 2008 - Ljubljana
Law School of the University of Ljubljana

 

The Alternative Ecofin, a conference on European economic and financial policy is organised by the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia in co-operation with several partner organisations.

The conference will bring together progressive economists and social scientists as well as representatives from social movements, trade unions, and other important groups from all over Europe. Prior to the meeting of the European ministers for finance and economics, the Alternative Ecofin scrutinizes the EUs agenda and implementation in these policy areas and develops socially just and sustainable policy alternatives.

ECOFIN: Maastricht-Criteria, Stability and Growth Pact, Interest Rate Decisions of the European Central Bank: The economic Union constitutes the heart of the matter of the EU. A serious debate about the European Union can not take place without taking into account the economic and financial policies decided within the ECOFIN (Council of Ministers of Finance and Economic Affairs).

More Transparency Needed: During the Slovenian EU-presidency, the informal ECOFIN will take place from April 4-5 in Brdo, near Ljubljana. It will discuss proposals as well as take decisions about the European future economic and financial agenda far from public disclosure. Considering the far reaching consequences of those decisions this poses a serious problemof democracy.

ALTERNATIVE ECOFIN: The conference will address the design and implementation of the European economic policies and present alternatives for a more socially and ecologically just Europe.

Opening Session: The conference starts on Thursday, April 3rd at 18.00 pm and will be opened by the president of the Slovenian Association of FreeTrade Unions, Dušan Semolič, followed by two introductory inputs.

Heiner Flassbeck, chief economist of UNCTAD, will hold the keynote speech: “Financial Crisis and the Role of EU Economic Policy, Implications for Slovenia and neighbour Countries”

Conference: During the two days conference (April 3 to 4), plenary sessions and workshops will address different aspects of economic policy – such as fiscal and monetary policy, employment, regional cohesion and social policies. One outcome of the conference will be a common declaration on an alternative economic policy.

Conference Languages: The plenary sessions will be held in Slovenian and English  (simultaneous translation). The Working groups will be held in English and and partly in Slovenian (please consult the programme for more information).