The European Commission, in partnership with civil society stakeholders, is hosting a series of seven thematic “Brussels Debates” throughout 2008 in the framework of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008. The first took place on 5 March at the Residence Palace, and was organised together with the European Policy Centre (EPC). It focussed on “The Impact of Migration on Intercultural Dialogue”.

On the eve of the first of the seven debates, the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Ján Figel’, said: “Europe faces many significant challenges that have their roots in intercultural relations. We must meet these challenges head-on, and bring out the best in our continent’s cultural and religious heritage. But we will only do this if we break down the barriers of ignorance through dialogue. With the Brussels Debates we will be able to make a useful contribution to the future vision of intercultural dialogue in Europe. ”

The debates are being chaired by journalist Shada Islam, who has written extensively on EU foreign and development policies as well as immigration and anti-discrimination issues for European, Asian, African and Middle East newspapers and magazines. The debates take place every first Wednesday of the month, in the Polak Room at the Residence Palace, 155 Rue de la Loi. Each debate will be followed by a reception to enable the discussions to continue in another form.

The official website of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, www.dialogue2008.eu provides background papers on each of the seven topics prior to the Brussels debates, as well as follow-up reporting.