How do Germany’s Laender (states) pursue their business and political interests in Berlin and Brussels? Dr. Beermann will address this central question by taking examples from current events, including the recent meeting of the EU in Nice, the controversy surrounding the future of regional banks in Germany, and the recent agreement reached on "Finanzausgleichpolitik" or the way in which German states pay to help their "less fortunate brethren". The "fracturing" of political authority between the state, the regions, and the European Union as each pursues sometimes common, sometimes differing, agendas raises large questions for the future of Germany.

For more information, please contact the European Union Center at eucenter@intl-institute.wisc.edu or by phone at 265-8040.