Bilderberg Group

Martin Rawson cartoon

The Bilderberg conference is an annual gathering of political leaders and experts from industry, finance, academia and the media, to debate issues that include the challenges facing Africa, the politics of the European Union and developments in the Middle East.

Its name comes from the Dutch hotel where the first Bilderberg conference was held in May 1954.

This year, the 61st Bilderberg meeting takes place in The Grove,  in Watford, UK, from 6-9 June. 

Francisco Pinto Balsemão, Paulo Portas, António José Seguro and Durão Barroso are also taking part in the meeting that includes around 140 guests. All delegates promised to keep quiet about what they hear or say.