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

At the occasion of the second-2006 semester EU presidency that was held by the UK, the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited the British Ambassador accredited to Austria for the second time (Ambassador’s first visit was prior to the Presidency, last June) for a de-briefing 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 debriefing lecture on 14th March, followed by nearly two hour talks with students and small reception. The IMC fellow professors and students had the great opportunity to hear the first-sight reflections on the United Kingdom’s presidency, collaboration with Austria as being part of troika as well as to hear thoughtful and inspiring answers on series of their questions (Budget, Constitution, Labor-mobility, issue of Turkish accession, Ukraine, foreign policy and security issues, EU – China and Hong Kong DDR summits, 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. Ernst FIETZ, the IMC EXP Study Director and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Macgregor stated that he again (for the second time) very much impressed by huge interest, commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and discussion with him, and promised to remain in touch with Faculty including widening cooperation with the relevant UK entities.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic