Contemporary development in European economy and society made European countries to face a must to adopt numerous unpopular precautions. The extent of change needed is so significant that it is possible to talk about reform process which can entirely change the character of state function in the society. In these terms, opinions on the end of 20th century European welfare state also arise.

On the other hand, there is a significant discussion on the negative consequences of free market flows and the need of their regulation. Both ongoing and proposed reforms fall into several topics and areas. There is a need of consolidation of public finance (limitation of state debt and state deficit), tax reform, health care reform, retirement reform, and the reform of social system and social security. Also the strenghtening of competitiveness of state economy and regulation of problems in global economy are being the important topics to discuss.

The impacts of these steps might be extensive. Their realization is sensitively perceived by the public. Governments that decide to undergo reforms are criticized by subjects whose existence is being put under question. In democratic settings, the loss of public political support means the loss of political power. That’s the reason why the reforms have to be done subsequently, with all the responsibility needed and in a harmony with a goal of maintenance of social cohesion. Their implementers also shouldn’t under-estimate the need of proper communication with public hit by the changes.

Form: International conference attended by scholars and important representatives from Germany

Content:
o character and impact of ongoing reforms in both country and the need of social cohesion
o comparing of German and Czech experience including political consequences (‚big coalition‘ in Germany, minority government in Czech republic, the role of important interest groups – trade unions, unions of employees, financial institutions, ecological lobbies)
o parliamentary elections in Germany and their impact on the future of reform process in Germany
o reforms from broader regional and European objective

Organizers: International Institute of Political Science of Masaryk University, CEVRO – Liberal Conservative Academy, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Place: Brno (Faculty of Social Studies, Jostova 10)
When: October 15, 2009