The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination will sponsor a public lecture, "The European Union: Managing Crises in Its Neighborhood," with Johannes Hahn, the European Commission's Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. in Bowl 2, Robertson Hall. The event is co-sponsored by the Program in French Studies, the Program in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, the EU Program, and the Program in Contemporary European Politics and Society. It is free and open to the public.

Johannes Hahn has been European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations since 2014. Prior to this post he served as Minister for Science and Research from 2010-2014. He was a member of the Vienna regional government from 2007-2010, and a board member and later CEO of Novomatic AG from 2003-2007. He was a member of the Vienna regional parliament from 1996-2003. Commissioner Hahn holds a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna (1987).

As Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiation, Hahn is responsible for deepening relations with neighbors of the EU to the south and east, in the EU's interest and in the interests of its partners; promoting stability at Europe’s borders and helping neighboring countries to develop stable democratic institutions and to become more prosperous, under the European Neighborhood Policy; coordinating the EU's offer of closer cooperation in areas like trade, mobility, energy, and education to create tailor-made partnerships to develop relations with each neighbor; continuing ongoing EU membership negotiations, and helping to prepare those countries with a membership perspective for future challenges; and supporting pre-accession countries in implementing democratic and economic reforms, upholding the rule of law, strengthening economic governance and competitiveness, developing a well-functioning public administration, and building bridges with neighboring countries. Commissioner Hahn is also a part of several Project Teams including Europe and the World; Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness; Better Regulation and Interinstitutional Affairs; and Budget and Human Resources.