Europe’s leaders face pervasive economic, political, and social challenges, many exacerbated by the global pandemic, economic uncertainty, migration, and demographic trends.  At the same time, events in countries near and far are shaking up European attitudes about Europe’s role in world affairs. For these reasons and more, the 2022 Camden Conference has chosen as its topic Europe: Challenged at Home and Abroad.

European observers are asking fundamental questions about the future: How cohesive is the European Union? Will its institutions be capable of meeting the needs of all member nations? How will populist movements or extremist parties affect elections and governance? Are democratic institutions under threat?  How will Europe compete in a global economy? What will happen to the European-United States relationship as new European leaders pursue their own agendas with Russia, China and other countries? Can Europeans still rely on the United States to ensure their security? And what should Europeans do if the United States is threatened? 

A superb moderator is key to an excellent conference, and we announce with great pleasure that David Brancaccio, host of American Public Media’s “Marketplace Morning Report,” will be returning to the Camden Opera House to moderate the February 2022 conference. As moderator of the 2020 and 2021 Camden Conferences, he was efficient, astute, humorous and kind, and we are delighted that he will again take the stage, especially since he brings experience as a journalist in Europe.

We are pleased to say that we expect to return to our regular venues in February, taking care to follow the CDC’s and Maine’s guidelines, and observing any health and safety precautions that our venues may require. Members of the Board and our staff are developing contingency plans in case the health situation changes as we approach February. Naturally, we want to ensure that our event will be safe for all.

Full information on how to make reservations for February 2022 will appear in our October E-news.  

Now, meet some of our speakers.  Please see the 2022 Conference Speakers page for bios.