This series serves as a vital source of information for both European and American policymakers, who utilize this platform to introduce and explain policies that have direct bearing on the U.S. and EU governments, the U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, EU member states, business executives and other relevant parties. At this time of uncommon challenges and change, The Institute promotes greater understanding between key public and private sector leaders on issues of common concern and helps develop effective and mutually beneficial solutions. At its best, the Forum serves to diffuse contentious rhetoric on sensitive policy issues and advance the transatlantic dialogue in a constructive direction.
Recent Meetings
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Created on 30 January 2008
Dr. Isi Saragossi, Director of the European Commission’s “European Research Area: Knowledge-Based Economy” directorate, and Dr. Charles Wessner, Director of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at The National Academies in Washington, D.C. discussed the priorities of U.S. and European research policy and the challenges and opportunities for policy makers and the scientific communities. The discussion was moderated by Kathleen Kingscott, IBM Industry Chair and Visiting Professor, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University.
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Created on 16 January 2008
The Hon. Dimitrios Katsoudas, Secretary General for European Affairs at the Greek Foreign Ministry, hosted by H.E. Alexandros Mallias, Ambassador of Greece to the United States. Mr. Katsoudas discussed current and potential issues that would arise from a future EU enlargement and the challenges that the integration of new countries would represent for the evolution of the Union. He also offered his perspective about the possibility of a Mediterranean Union which would broaden the EU’s limits and would likely enhance partnership with neighboring countries.
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Created on 17 December 2007
As New Jersey abolished capital punishment, European and American decision makers and experts met to examine the divergent transatlantic approaches to the death penalty at a meeting convened in cooperation with the Portuguese Presidency of the European Council. Portugal has led the campaign for the universal abolition of the death penalty. The continued use of this practice by the U.S. remains a central point of contention in the transatlantic dialogue. In addition to H.E. João de Vallera, Ambassador of Portugal, participants included Laurence Rothenberg, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice (speaking on a personal basis) and Robert Blecker, Professor of Law at New York Law School who spoke for the death penalty. Richard Dieter, Executive Director of the Death Penalty Information Center, and Deborah Fleischaker, Director of the Death Penalty Moratorium Implementation Project, American Bar Association reasoned for a moratorium on the death sentence. Robert Harris, Assistant Legal Advisor for Human Rights at the U.S. Department of State addressed the human rights issue. The discussion was moderated by Neil Lewis, Legal Correspondent from the New York Times.
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Created on 01 November 2007
Following on the meeting with Mr. Leffler, a special discussion was convened with The Hon. Noëlle Lenoir, former French Minister of European Affairs, now responsible for coordinating the European law practice of the American firm Debevoise & Plimpton in Paris. Mrs. Lenoir reviewed the changes being considered in the new European Treaty and their implications for diplomats, companies and citizens who deal with the European institutions. Benno van der Laan, Senior Vice President of Cabinet Stewart Inc. commented on lobbying in Brussels and the evolution of American lobbying activities with the European institutions.
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Created on 30 October 2007
Christian Leffler, Head of Cabinet for Margot Wallström, European Commission Vice President and Commissioner for Institutional Relations and Communications Strategy, discussed the progress made on the EU Reform Treaty at the recent summit in Lisbon and assessed the importance of the treaty in the context of European integration. Changes affected by the treaty would include a new voting procedure aimed at ensuring transparency, and an increase in the length of the presidency term from six months to two and one half years. He was optimistic that once the treaty is signed in Lisbon in December, it will be ratified by June 2009. The discussion was hosted by Blank Rome Government Relations LLC.