Josep Borrell begins his term as President of CIDOB

In his first hours as President of the institution, Josep Borrell has held several meetings, including a first meeting with all CIDOB’s staff. During this meeting, he expressed his intention to “contribute to strengthening CIDOB’s international positioning at a time of a changing global order, and to bring studies, reflection, and prospective analysis closer to policymakers as well as to society as a whole.” This was followed by the traditional group picture at the entrance of CIDOB’s building.

He also had the opportunity to become more familiar with the institution’s research team and its various lines of research. During this meeting, Josep Borrell presented his latest book, Europe, in the 'Arc of Fire', a collection of articles and reflections on the geopolitical and security challenges facing Europe, written during his final year as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission.

Finally, an initial meeting was held with the institution’s Board, during which Josep Borrell discussed with the members of CIDOB’s highest governing body the challenges facing the institution and the priorities of his term.

In the coming days, the new President of CIDOB will attend various institutional commitments, culminating on Saturday, 5 April, at Palau de Pedralbes for his first public event during the 23rd edition of the international conference War and Peace in the 21st Century: The future of the Middle East: understanding conflict, building peace.

The conference will address the causes of conflict in the Middle East and its international dimension, analysing how the international community can promote dialogue and provide solutions for a lasting peace, and which future scenarios can be envisaged for the region, which has been shaken by a new wave of conflicts and unprecedented levels of violence. The full programme of the War and Peace conference can be found on CIDOB’s website.