The future of higher education, the importance of international education, and transatlantic cooperation on developing educational exchange networks were addressed by Odile Quintin, Director General for Education and Culture at the European Commission and Dr. Allan Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, who reviewed policy initiatives aimed at supporting international higher education and how universities are refocusing educational priorities. Both speakers were adamant that international education is crucial for economic recovery and development, and that it will equip the students of today for future success. The growing demands for international experience and the changing nature of the global economy make this topic especially relevant. Participants concurred that international dialogue and transatlantic cooperation are key to making crucial changes in the way students are educated.

 

Leading experts from both sides of the Atlantic discussed the re-emergence of nuclear power as a complementary asset in the drive to de-carbonize energy resources. In addition to evaluating current demand for nuclear power and the relative cost and capacity issues inherent in the industry's expansion, participants also addressed the challenge of nuclear safety and waste disposal, as well as the current financial and regulatory environments.

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The European Institute's Roundtable on the Environment examines the strategic and human implications of global warming, addresses the global economic implications of energy and climate change policies, and monitors the progress of EU and U.S. climate change legislation. The Roundtable also serves to evaluate the implications of emerging U.S. and European competition in such regions as the Arctic and Antarctic, and transatlantic efforts to mitigate the depletion of natural resources.

Recent Meetings:

The Honorable Margot Wallström, Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Institutional Relations and Communications Strategy discussed the challenges of communicating Europe to 500 million citizens in 27 member states, and the methods in which the European Union is utilizing to bridge the information gap between Brussels and the rest of Europe. Dr. Beth Noveck, Deputy Technology Officer for Open Government in the Executive Office of the President presented the American perspective and how methods of new media impacted the U.S. 2008 Presidential election. Ian Koski, Senior Manager at Blue State Media and Aaron Smith, Research Specialist with the Pew Internet & American Life Project, also offered their views.

In his first public speaking engagement since assuming his new position, The Honorable Philip Gordon, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs addressed the Obama Administration’s transatlantic policy and provided an overview of key priorities as the United States seeks to strengthen its political, economic and strategic ties with Europe. Speaking to an audience consisting of 17 European and Eurasian Ambassadors - including His Excellency Sergey Kislyak, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United States, as well as members of The European Institute’s Board of Directors and Advisors, he pointed to the U.S. interest in closer cooperation with European allies and suggested that pragmatic cooperation between Moscow and Washington also offered a way forward amid so many global challenges for both countries.