On 22 October 2024, the College of Europe in Natolin hosted the Jacques Delors Memorial Lecture titled "Forging European Identity at the Geopolitical Crossroads", delivered by Mr Pascal LAMY, Coordinator of the Jacques Delors Think Tanks (Paris, Berlin, Brussels), Former DG of WTO, and Former Trade Commissioner (European Commission).
Jacques Delors, a prominent figure for the European Union, is patron de promotion of this academic year. The College of Europe commemorated Delors' legacy through this Memorial Lecture.
The patronage is especially symbolic because of the role Delors played in the inauguration of the College of Europe in Natolin more than 30 years ago. During his visit in 1994, at the inauguration of the academic year of the College of Europe in Natolin, Delors wrote an entry in our commemorative book: "The College of Europe in Natolin is more than a symbol of Europe rediscovered; it is the hope that is embodied here, in this beautiful place steeped in history. The hope that exchanges will increase for greater mutual understanding and, dare we say it, fraternity. The hope that the noble mission of educating finds expression here, realized through a center of excellence." These words continue to guide us to this day. The memorial lecture is a moment to commemorate his legacy, which has a deeper meaning in this academic year, under Jacques Delors' patronage.
Mr Pascal LAMY, former Director-General of the WTO (2005–2013), former EU Trade Commissioner (1999–2004), and former Chief of Staff to Jacques Delors (1985–1994), reflected on Delors' legacy and the crossroads the EU is currently facing. The lecture was followed by a Q&A session moderated by Ambassador Thomas MAYR-HARTING.
Through its Memorial Lectures, the College of Europe in Natolin celebrates the work and legacy of extraordinary individuals. Each year, the College organizes the Zbigniew Brzeziński Memorial Lecture Series, featuring high-level talks on international security in memory of Professor Zbigniew Brzeziński.
See the photo gallery from the event below:
About the speaker
Pascal LAMY is the Vice-President of the Paris Peace Forum and of the European branch of the Brunswick Group. He coordinates the Jacques Delors Institutes (Paris, Berlin, Brussels).
He also serves as Vice-Chair of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (UNOC3 2025) and holds positions on several boards with global, European, or French focuses (e.g., European Starfish Mission (Ocean), Mo Ibrahim Foundation, European Climate Foundation, IFPRI, IFPIM, PECC, CERRE, TMEA, Antarctica 2020, Transparency International, Alpbach Forum, Beijing Forum, World Trade Forum, WEF Global Risks, Europaeum, Collegium International, Musiciens du Louvre, Institut Mendes-France, Colbert Foundation, and more).
He is an affiliated professor at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai and at HEC in Paris.
From 2005 to 2013, Pascal LAMY served two consecutive terms as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). He previously held the positions of EU Trade Commissioner (1999–2004), Director-General of Crédit Lyonnais (1994–1999), Chief of Staff to the President of the European Commission, Jacques Delors, and his G7 Sherpa (1985–1994), Deputy Chief of Staff to the French Prime Minister (1983–1985), and to the French Minister of Economy and Finance (1981–1983).
His latest publications include Strange New World (Odile Jacob 2020) and Où va le monde? (Odile Jacob 2018).