IEC Bruges Leadership Lecture Announced

With plans for the IEC Global Leadership Conference taking shape, and the international egg community taking up temporary residence in the very heart of Europe this September, it seems only fitting that one of the highlights of the conference schedule should be delivered by a  tremendously respected political figure, who has played a key role in the European Union’s recent history.

Presenting our Leadership Lecture on Monday 11th September, will be the former Irish Prime Minister (1994-1997) and EU Ambassador to the United States (2004-2009) John Bruton.

As some of you may remember, the IEC’s last Leadership Lecture was given by former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, FW De Klerk in Cape Town. This keynote spot is reserved for world leaders and visionaries, whose drive and determination have helped to shape significant global events during their tenure.

This year, in light of the current upheaval and uncertainty that surrounds Brexit, we have carefully selected a noteworthy speaker to present on ‘The Future of Europe’. With extensive experience, John Bruton will share his insights and observations on politics, finance, and economics, as well as on issues pertaining to Europe.

John Bruton was first elected to the Irish Parliament ("Dáil Éireann") in 1969 at the age of 22, as a member of the Fine Gael Party, becoming Party Leader in 1990 and then leading it into government in 1994. He was instrumental in helping transform his country’s economy into the "Celtic Tiger," one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In the year before John took office (1993) the Irish economy grew by 2.7%. However, during his time as Prime Minister, the Irish economy grew at an annual average rate of 8.7%, peaking at 11.1% in 1997.

Simultaneously, John also presided over a successful Irish EU Presidency in 1996 and helped finalise the Stability and Growth Pact, which governs the management of the Euro. He was also committed to the Northern Irish Peace Process – leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Throughout his career, John has spoken on world, European and Irish economic developments to influential business and political audiences. His former role, as EU Ambassador to the US, involved explaining major EU developments – discussing the importance of the EU-US relationship in matters of trade, counterterrorism, public health, energy, the environment and the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights.

Currently, John Bruton is a member of the board of the Centre for European Policy Studies. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Transatlantic Relations in Washington D.C. and a visiting fellow at the European Institute in the London School of Economics, and an advisor to Fairobserver.

Delegates attending the Bruges Conference have an unmissable opportunity to hear John Bruton give his inimitable perspective on what lies ahead for Europe during this decisive period in history.

Registration is filling fast, secure your place in Belgium now.