Amherst, Mass.—Amherst College will welcome Stavros Lambrinidis ‘84, the European Union (EU) Special Representative for Human Rights, for a keynote address, “Rights without Borders? Foreign Policy and Human Rights in Today’s European Union,” at Pruyne Lecture Hall in Fayerweather Hall on Tuesday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. His talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
Lambrinidis was appointed in 2012 as the Union’s first thematic Special Representative mandated to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy. His talk at Amherst will address the greatest foreign policy and human rights challenges facing the EU and will discuss the recent adoption of the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on human rights and democracy.
“We are delighted Mr. Lambrinidis is returning to campus for what will be an important and fascinating discussion,” said President Biddy Martin. “His presentation will offer insights into some of the most challenging issues facing Europe and their impact on the U.S.”
Lambrinidis currently serves as one of nine EU Special Representatives that work on behalf of different countries and regions around the world. Each plays an essential role in the development of EU Foreign and Security Policy, and in the Union’s efforts to become a more effective, coherent and capable actor on the world stage.
Before becoming the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Lambrinidis served in a variety of other international posts, including as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Director General of the International Olympic Truce Center.
He has been the European Parliament’s Rapporteur on issues such as the Promotion of Security and Fundamental Rights in the Internet Age, the Integration of Immigrants in Europe, and the Protection of Critical Infrastructures against Terrorist Threats.
Lambrinidis was born in Athens, Greece, and earned his B.A. in economics and political science from Amherst. He earned his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1988.
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