As Chancellor of Germany from 1974 to 1982, Helmut Schmidt stressed the goal of the political unification of Europe. As that goal moves closer to reality, Schmidt will discuss some of the pitfalls that may arise in a major address Monday, Nov. 22. One of the founders of the Economic Summits of the major Western powers begun in 1975, Schmidt will speak on “The 21st Century in Europe: Risks, Opportunities, and Probabilities,” at 5:30 P.M. in the Rotunda of Low Memorial Library.
With the establishment of a common currency, Schmidt’s goal of European political integration moves closer to reality. In the broader sense, Schmidt will discuss how political unification would impact the cultural identities of individual nations, labor market stability, immigration policy and the environment of the continent.
More than a decade after his tenure as Chancellor of West Germany, Schmidt, 81, remains a dynamic and highly respected figure in the international economic and political arena. His views on East-West relations, the world economy, NATO, international strategic problems and Europe continue to be influential through his writings for Die Zeit, the liberal weekly, journals such asForeign Affairs and numerous books, including The Balance of Power, A Grand Strategy for the WestMen and Powers and Jahr der Entscheidung (Year of Decision).
