The Future of the Euro

The topic of the event was the future of the Euro and the speakers were

1. David Marsh, co-chairman of OMFIF, a Senior Adviser to London-based asset management company Soditic CBIP LLP, chairman of the advisory board of independent investment bank London & Oxford Capital Markets and Board member of The Stern Stewart Institute;
2. Lord David Owen;
3. Carsten Jørgensen, CIO and CEO of LK Advisers which is the investment office for the Mittal Family;
4. Lars Tranberg Rasmussen, Danske Bank where he works with international economics.

The speakers gave their views on the causes of the current crisis, developments in the Euro zone and the prospects of survival of the Euro. One general view was that it was likely that Greece and perhaps one or two of the other Euro zone countries would leave the Euro, and that further political and economic integration of the remaining countries is inevitable if the Euro is to be successful.

Another perhaps more surprising view was that the current crisis may continue for another 6 to 10 years. One can only hope that the distinguished panel is wrong in that prediction, but only time will tell.

All in all it was a very interesting event hosted by the Scandinavian chambers.