World-famous author Amitav Ghosh was born in Calcutta and studied in Alexandria, Delhi and Oxford. He is the author of numerous prize-winning novels such as The Glass Palace and Sea of Poppies. His most recent publication is called River of Smoke. His books have been translated into more than 20 different languages.

Dividing his time between Calcutta, Goa and Brooklyn, Ghosh provides a human perspective on historic events by focusing on the timeless interaction between individuals and communities. In his keynote speech, he will share his reflections on how Europe is seen in the world and how it might be seen in the future. Directly after his speech, he will be interviewed by Dutch TV presenter Twan Huys.

Introductory speeches by European Cultural Foundation Director Katherine Watson and European Cultural Foundation President HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands.

Imagining Europe took place on 4–7 October 2012 at the renowned cultural space, De Balie in Amsterdam.