Europe at the Crossroads
VIEW EVENT DETAILSThe Sovereign Debt Crisis and its Impact on Asia
Luncheon presentation by Guido Westerwelle, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Former Deputy Chancellor, Germany
The eurozone debt crisis is impinging on the world economy with increasing ferocity, as European leaders work on a deal to aid the vulnerable euro economies. Ministers have met repeatedly to decide on measures to lift the continent out of the crisis which has made it difficult or impossible for some countries in the eurozone area to refinance their government debt. Given the interconnectivity of the global financial system, the problems stemming from Europe could lead to financial contagion across the world. Have the measures taken thus far by European leaders been sufficient in regaining trust in the euro? Will Europe be strong enough to overcome the crisis and shape its future? How does the current crisis affect Asian countries, and what does Europe expect from its partners in this region?
Guido Westerwelle has been Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2009. He was Deputy Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany between 2009 and 2011. Dr. Westerwelle joined the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in 1980, and was Chair of the FDP for Bonn district between 1993 and 2000, and General Secretary from 1994 to 2001. He was the party’s national Chair from 2001 to 2011, and has been a member of the German Bundestag since 1996. Dr. Westerwelle studied law in Bonn, and has received a doctoral degree in law.