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

Article Information: Created on 08 May 2009

Hosted at the Embassy of Finland, this meeting was convened on the 10th Anniversary of the European Union’s Common Strategy on Russia and in anticipation of the upcoming EU-Russia Summit in May and the U.S.-Russia Summit in July, and included a review of Finland’s recently-released Action Plan for Russia. As both Europe and the United States ramp up diplomatic efforts, the pivotal implications of Russia’s economic, energy and security policies have spurred the need for a more coordinated and complimentary transatlantic approach. Participants included His Excellency Pekka Lintu, Ambassador of Finland to the United States; Maimo Henriksson, Director of the Unit for Russia at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Hiski Haukkala, Special Advisor for the Unit of Policy Planning and Research at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Luc Véron, Minister-Counselor and Head of the Political and Development Section for the Delegation of the European Commission; and Samuel Charap, Fellow for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress and Visiting Fellow for the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Article Information: Created on 24 February 2009

This meeting assessed the reasoning behind U.S. and EU positions on the merits and effectiveness of global human rights frameworks and identified opportunities for transatlantic cooperation in the promotion of human rights. Speakers included: Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Head of Political Affairs Division IV, Human Security of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs; Robert Harris, Assistant Legal Advisor for Human Rights and Refugees at the U.S. Department of State; Claudia Pinto, Senior Political Advisor at the Delegation of the European Commission; and Dr. Ruth Wedgwood, Edward B. Burling Professor of International Law and Diplomacy and Director of the International Law and Organizations Program at The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. The session was moderated by Elizabeth Andersen, Executive Director of the American Society of International Law.

Article Information: Created on 03 October 2008

Dimitris Dimitriadis, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) discussed the impact of globalization on Europe’s employment, investment and innovation and how the European Union is meeting these challenges. The EESC is a consultative body that gives representatives from Europe’s economic, social and academic sectors a formal platform to express their views on EU issues. Its opinions are forwarded to institutions including the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament. Dr. Philip Levy, Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and trade advisor to the McCain Campaign, presented the U.S. perspective on the effects of trade and globalization on employment and innovation.

Article Information: Created on 04 August 2008

Named to his current position three months ago, The Honorable Diego López Garrido, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union, plays a key role in setting the agenda for Spain’s upcoming Presidency of the European Council and will steer the Presidency during its term in the first semester of 2010. Mr. Garrido offered his perspective on Spain’s plans for the Presidency and assessed the current challenges and opportunities facing the EU, including two current top priorities of particular resonance for Spain: immigration and the Union for the Mediterranean.

Article Information: Created on 11 July 2008

In his first public remarks since the Irish rejected the Treaty of Lisbon, His Excellency John Bruton, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the US, offered a rich and insightful assessment of the historic vote and its implications for Ireland and the European Union. Expressing his personal views, the former Prime Minister of Ireland contended that the impermeability of the treaty itself, concern about loss of sovereignty, and the absence of belief in distinctly European values led voters in Ireland to vote No.

European Institute

European-American Policy Forum

Recent Meetings

Meeting the Russia Challenge: A Transatlantic Imperative in Search of Common Ground

Transatlantic Perspectives on Global Human Rights Governance

Globalization with a Human Face: the EESC Approach

What Lies Ahead for Europe and the Mediterranean: A Spanish Perspective

What next? The Lisbon Treaty, the Irish Referendum and Implications for the European Union

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