On Friday, Yenching Academy had the honor of welcoming Professor Romano Prodi, Former President of the European Commission (1999-2004) and Former Prime Minister of Italy (1996-1998; 2006-2008), for his second visit to our institution. Joining the discussion online was Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Former Prime Minister of France, in a dialogue moderated by Dean Dong Qiang.

Opening Remarks by Dean Dong

Dean Dong introduced Professor Prodi, highlighting his extensive political career, contributions to international cooperation, and key role in European Union institutions, particularly in the enlargement of the EU to include ten new member states. He emphasized Prodi’s leadership during a pivotal period in European history, overseeing economic and institutional reforms that shaped the modern EU.

Beyond his political career, Dean Dong noted Prodi’s distinguished academic background. Professor Prodi earned a degree in law from the Catholic University of Milan before shifting towards economics, completing further studies at the London School of Economics. He later became a professor at the University of Bologna, specializing in industrial economics and competition policy. Throughout his career, he authored several influential works on economic development and European integration, solidifying his reputation as a leading expert in the field.

Professor Prodi’s Lecture: Europe’s Position in the US-China-Europe Triangle

In his keynote speech, Professor Prodi examined the evolving dynamics of EU-China relations within the broader context of a triangular relationship between Europe, China, and the United States. He emphasized the shifting nature of global alliances and how Europe must navigate its position as both an economic and political actor in this evolving landscape.

Reflecting on historical transatlantic trends, he noted how different US administrations have approached Europe’s role in global diplomacy. He traced the gradual shift in American policy—from prioritizing close cooperation with Europe to a more unilateral stance that has, at times, left Europe seeking greater strategic autonomy. The rise of China as a global power has further complicated this balance, creating new economic and diplomatic challenges.

Discussing European integration, Prodi stressed the significance of a common European foreign policy in ensuring that Europe can effectively engage with both the United States and China. He pointed out that internal fragmentation within the EU often weakens its ability to act as a unified geopolitical force, especially in trade and technological competition. He also highlighted the growing role of the euro in global finance, raising the question of whether it could serve as a more widely adopted reserve currency, particularly in light of China’s economic strategies.

Prodi proposed that rather than aligning exclusively with one global power, Europe should seek to balance its relationships with both China and the United States, leveraging its economic strength and diplomatic influence to act as a stabilizing force in world affairs. He emphasized the importance of multilateralism and dialogue, advocating for policies that promote cooperation rather than division in global governance.

Dialogue with Jean-Pierre Raffarin

Following the lecture, Jean-Pierre Raffarin engaged in a discussion with Professor Prodi, moderated by Dean Dong. Their conversation covered key themes such as:

● Strengthening European cooperation to address global challenges.

● Economic and trade relations, including how Europe can navigate shifts in the global economy.

● The role of multilateralism in shaping international policies and encouraging collaboration across regions.

● Technological advancements and digital policies, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches to innovation and regulation.

Raffarin reiterated the importance of maintaining a shared global vision, promoting sustainability, and facilitating discussions to find common solutions to international challenges.

Final Q&A Session

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students posed thoughtful questions, prompting an engaging exchange of ideas with the speakers

Discussions included the future of European defense policies, the responsibilities of EU institutions in global stability, and strategies to encourage economic resilience in a rapidly changing world.

Looking Ahead

Professor Prodi’s visit provided an insightful perspective on Europe’s evolving role in international affairs and highlighted the importance of global cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges. His dialogue with Jean-Pierre Raffarin and the engagement of the Yenching community reaffirmed the value of intellectual exchange in shaping informed discussions on international relations and economic policies.

As Yenching Academy continues to encourage dialogue with global leaders, discussions like these offer our scholars an opportunity to engage with critical issues across policy, economics, and international cooperation.