The debate on the future of the European Central Bank is intensifying ahead of the appointment of a successor to Christine Lagarde. Jean-Claude Trichet, the ECB’s second president (after Wim Duisenberg)  in 2003-11, will take part in an event at the Reform Club jointly arranged by the Society of Professional Economists, OMFIF and the Reform Club’s Economics & Current Affairs group on 28 April, giving a talk on ‘Why Europe needs a Federation and how it can be accomplished’.

In a discussion led by Nathalie Romang, chair of the Economics & Current Affairs group, and George Buckley, SPE chair, Trichet will be debating the topic with David Marsh, chairman of OMFIF, author of ‘Can Europe Survive?’ (Yale University Press)  who argues for a Europe built on the Jacques Delors principles of ‘variable geometry’.  

Marsh believes the ECB will become a more overtly political bank, more in the mould of François Mitterrand than of Helmut Schlesiger. He also favours a cautious extension of the Next Generation EU borrowing programme, an issue dividing the German political and economic community that will influence the ECB succession. The discussion on 28 April asks what kind of Europe lies ahead after the diverse shocks of Trump, Putin and Xi – and what role Britain will play, 10 years after the referendum leading to EU departure.

The meeting starts at 11.00am and will take place at The Reform Club, 104 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5EW. Doors open at 10.45am and the debate will be followed by a short networking reception.

HOW TO REGISTER

Pre-event registration is required. Members can register via the notices.