Centre Maurits Coppieters Gathers Members and External Experts in Ajaccio for 10th General Assembly

The 10^th General Assembly of the Centre Maurits Coppieters was held in Ajaccio (Corsica) from March 31^st to April 2^nd thanks to the joint organization of the European Free Alliance (EFA), the European Free Alliance Youth (EFAy) and the Partitu di a Nazione Corsa, which hosted the meetings. The enriching and success-filled three-day conference focused on the building and strengthening of new and old networks, and marked achievements made in the past year.

The members and associated think tanks and experts of the Centre Maurits Coppieters from around Europe actively contributed to the discussion about accomplished goals accomplished and future developments of the organization. Furthermore, the Centre proudly admitted the Associacion pel Desvolopament de l’Escrich Occitan (ADEO) as new member of its community.

Occitan association ADEO now accepted as @IdeasForEurope 's newest member. Planvenguts! #Occitania #Aiacciu16 #Coppieters16 CC @jornalet

— CIEMEN International (@ciemen_int) April 2, 2016

Several side workshops, round tables and debates took place during the consultation, including the meeting of the Coppieters’ Bureau and Advisory Scientific Council, an organ composed by several experts who supervise the academic quality of the Centre’s publications. Additionally, Xabier Macias, the President of Maurits Coppieters Centre, presented the 2015 Activity Report to the European Free Alliance General Assembly attendees.

Ana Stanič, the keynote speaker of the Coppieters’ dinner debate, drew the attention of the participants to the lessons learnt from newly established states. Ms Stanič is an expert on international law and state succession. During her studies, she analysed in particular the cases of Slovenia and Croatia in terms of financial state succession. During the dinner debate, she first introduced key concepts, such as the right of self-determination, the distinction between secession and succession, national sovereignty, and the role of international organisations and mechanisms in negotiating for independence. Her “crash course” on international law of state succession from a new and refreshing point of view, weaving together theory and practice, law and politics, effectively contributed to intellectually stimulating discussions.