Hotel Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido April 15-17, 2005 The Aspen Institute's debate on Europe is in its thirteenth year: these many meetings have represented an ongoing attempt to deal with the key issues facing decision-makers in the Union's economic, social and political integration process. Apart from dealing with the introduction of the euro, the Aspen European Dialogue conferences have focussed on enlargement, institutional reform and economic governance. Participants have also considered the EU's role as an international player and the necessary, if delicate, balance between opening up to the East and relations with southern neighbors. Finally, the spotlight has been turned on crucial issues such as social cohesion, economic growth, demographic trends and welfare reform as well. Aspen is now organizing a conference on Union and disunion: Europe in 2015. Emma Bonino will chair the third session on Turkey and European Union. Program Friday, April 15 P.m. Participants' registration 20h30 Cocktails and welcoming dinner in the hotel Saturday, April 16 09h15 - 09h30 Opening remarks 09h30 - 11h15 Session I Whose constitution? Topics for discussion - The ratification conundrum: the key French test - Core Europe or Europe "à la carte"? - Will Europe be a super-power or a super-space? - Is EU minus UK conceivable? - The need for a plan B: how to avoid a split in the EU Discussion 11h15 - 11h30 Coffee break 11h30 - 13h30 Session II Facing the challenge: avoiding decline in larger Europe Topics for discussion - Low population growth and ageing: which implications? - Is migration a response? - The budget war: spend better but where - The more flexible pact: which consequences? - Can reforms be a successful without growth? Discussion 13h30 - 15h00 Lunch 15h00 - 16h45 Session III Turkey and the EU: who is changing whom? Topics for discussion - How is Turkey a European country? - Pros ad cons of the accession - From Christian democrats to Muslim democrats: Europe's trajectory - Turkey and the EU's ultimate borders - Burdens and assets: the economic deal Discussion 16h45 - 17h00 Coffee break 17h00 - 18h15 Round Table: What Future for the Balkans? Speakers will discuss the implications of the Report prepared by the International Commission on the Balkans Discussion 19h15 Departure from the hotel by motorboat to "La Fenice" Theatre 20h00 Cocktails music concert 21h00 Dinner Sunday, April 17 09h30 - 11h00 Session IV Assessing the strategic partnership with Russia Part 1 - What kind of Russia? Topics for discussion - The democratic evolution of Russia: a step back? - What's on Putin mind? - Power and society in Russia - Reading the economy: the comeback of the State - After Yukos: which prospects for foreign investors Discussion 11h00 - 11h15 Coffee break 11h15 - 13h00 Session IV (cont.) Part 2 - Russia, the EU and the US: the trilateral game Topics for discussion - Russia's options: Euro-Asian space or power in Europe - After Georgia and Ukraine: the trilateral game in the near-abroad - Russia and the Wider Middle East - The energy link and its geo-political implications - Does Europe have a real Russia strategy? - The Us and democracy-first: the Russian test Discussion 13h00 Conclusions of the Conference