Europe will find a solution – Barroso tells IBA gathering in Vienna

The immediate Past President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso has announced that Europe will find a solution to its crisis.

Barroso, who was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Annual Conference of the International Bar Association (IBA) Sunday, in Vienna Austria, informed the gathering of over 6,000 lawyers from across the world that though the EU was in crisis, it was definitely not in decline, and thus would soon find itself again.

Offering a perspective on the Syria migrant situation, the former EU Commission boss said the national level was not enough and that a transnational global policy on migration was required, noting also that the EU had a moral duty to integrate all Syrian immigrants/refugees.

“While integration and acceptance of refugees is a moral duty in Europe, we must however find solutions to instability in these regions. Europe has a challenge but the real crisis is in the Middle East – this is why people are coming to Europe to provide stability and security for their children.

“We cannot limit the numbers for refugees. Some EU states with smaller populations are receiving more refugees than other larger states. Temporary border controls can be made. The problem of influx of refugees can be managed effectively,” Barroso said.

He further enjoined legal professionals all over the world to be a part of the discourse for a solution to the crisis, saying, “there is no easy solution, we all need to work together.”

On the IBA conference and the role of lawyers at this time, he informed participants that the intellectual contribution of lawyers would become increasingly crucial in a globalised world. “Globalisation however has increased need for greater privacy regulation and security,” he noted.

During a quick Q&A session with Barroso, participants wanted to know if the EU has become too large and less efficient?

Barroso said “No” to this.

Earlier, David Rivkin, IBA president, who welcomed conferees to this year’s event, had outlined some of the IBA’s key initiatives and achievements – while quickly running through the activities for the week.

He urged participants to be more involved with the crisis situations around the globe, particularly the complex multifaceted problems of migration of refugees, saying, “refugees need legal advice.

“As the week unfolds, we are also looking forward to hearing from other excellent speakers, including the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan; the Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda; the former President of Spain, José María Aznar, and the former Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, Anders Fogh Rasmussen. It is going to be an outstanding week.”

Taking place at the Austria Centre in Vienna, the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 conference was packed full as the event took off with a performance by The Vienna boys choir – who thrilled the audience with a wide repertoire of songs – in a performance that has been described as simply breathtaking.

Speakers at the opening noted the role of lawyers in crisis management, urging participants to continually play positive roles to promote the rule of law around the world.

The conference mood is one of fervour, gusto and lots of expectations as participants gear up for an engaging week comprising of 200 working sessions covering all areas of practice relevant to international legal practitioners and several social functions.

 

THEODORA KIO-LAWSON