Guest Speech of the Ambassador of Great Britain; H.E. Mr. John Malcolm MacGregor

At the occasion of forthcoming EU presidency that is held by the UK second semester this year (which also marks the Austria’s entry in to the EU Troika), the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the British Ambassador accredited to Austria for a guest lecture. H.E. Amb. Mr. John Malcolm MACGREGOR, Resident Ambassador of Great Britain to the Republic of Austria paid a visit to IMC and delivered a lecture on 15th June, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception.

The IMC fellow professors and students had the great opportunity to learn on priorities of the United Kingdom’s presidency as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (EU Constitution, Parliament, ENP, Lisbon, budget, foreign policy and security issues, recent US – UK summit, G–8, etc. ).

Extraordinarily eloquent diplomat of impressive career, Mr. Macgregor joined the Foreign Office over thirty years ago. Serving at different posts that include New Delhi, Prague, Paris and Germany, H.E. Macgregor obtaining several top capacities within the Foreign office too (Secretary to Minister of State, Principal Speechwriter to Foreign Minister and Director). Prior to his appointment to Austria (May 2003), H.E. Macgregor had his first ambassadorial appointment to Poland (1998). Excellency Macgregor holds the fine art and human science degrees from prestigious UK universities (Oxford and Birmingham).

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with Mr. Hans Lichtenwagner, the IMC Rector and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Macgregor stated that he was very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and promised to return to our University right after the UK Presidency (January-February 2006).

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic