Wexler: Extraordinary opportunities for transatlantic relationship November 13, 2008 Brussels
Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, said there are extraordinary opportunities for the transatlantic relationship under an Obama administration, but cautioned that expectations may be way too large to meet.
The Doha round as a global insurance policy against increasing protectionism November 13, 2008
A recent study by Antoine Bouët and David Laborde from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) stresses a potential loss of $1,064bn in world trade if world leaders fail to conclude the Doha Development Round of trade negotiations in the next few weeks and implement subsequently protectionist policies. Bouët and Laborde unveiled an economic study at "Completing the Doha round: A global insurance policy against protectionism in turbulent economic times," at an event on November 13 hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
GMF hosts U.S. election party in Berlin November 4, 2008 Berlin
The German Marshall Fund of the United States in cooperation with the United States Embassy in Berlin and various other organizations, organized on November 4-5, an election night party hosted at Deutsche Telekom headquarters in Berlin. Over 2400 people of all ages attended the event to watch election returns and debate the issues related to the elections in the United States.
Re-energizing Europe's security and defense policy November 3, 2008 Brussels
On November 3, GMF, in cooperation with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), organized a dinner on "Re-energizing Europe's security and defense policy" in Brussels. The event stemmed from the recent publication of an ECFR policy paper by Nick Witney on how to improve the ESDP.
Transatlantic approaches to post-conflict management October 31, 2008 Washington, DC
On October 31, GMF hosted Frank Kupferschmidt, senior research associate of the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, and Peter Schmidt, visiting professor of the Royal Military College of Canada, to present the results of their research project "Transatlantic approaches to post-conflict management," funded by GMF. John Glenn, director of foreign policy at GMF, moderated the discussion.
10th Marshall Forum addresses globalization October 23, 2008 Copenhagen
From October 23-25, 2009, 200 alumni of GMF's Marshall Memorial Fellowship program convened in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the 10th annual Marshall Forum on Transatlantic Affairs. Entitled "Who is in Control of Globalization? Transatlantic Dialogues on New Policy Initiatives," the three-day gathering also hosted grantees, partners, and GMF fellows to discuss the transatlantic relationship in a global context.
Germany's role in Afghanistan: Prospects for 2009 under a new mandate October 20, 2008 Washington, DC
On October 20, GMF's Washington office hosted a discussion on "Germany's role in Afghanistan: Prospects for 2009 under a new mandate" with GMF Transatlantic Fellow Till Knorn and Jeremy Shapiro of the Brookings Institution. The event was moderated by John K. Glenn, director of foreign policy at GMF.
Transatlantic Academy opens with migration conference October 14, 2008 Washington, DC
On October 14, former Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato opened a conference in celebration of the Transatlantic Academy with a speech outlining the challenges the European Union faces in dealing with migrants and security.
Danish, Dutch development ministers tackle climate change October 10, 2008 Washington, DC
On October 10, GMF hosted a panel discussion entitled "Climate Change and Development-Perspectives in View of the COP15," exploring the topic of climate change as a development issue. The panelists included the Honorable Ulla Tørnæs, Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, the Honorable Bert Koenders, Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation, and Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute. Craig Kennedy, President of GMF, officially opened the event and Lael Brainard, on leave from the Brookings Institution, moderated the discussion. Overall, the event was very successful and produced an insightful and useful discussion about the many challenges and prospects of addressing climate change and development issues together in the future.
Portland city officials glean bicycle infrastructure policy from Amsterdam, Copenhagen October 5, 2008 Amsterdam and Copenhagen
From October 5-12, the German Marshall Fund organized a study tour on bicycle infrastructure and policy for 13 representatives from Portland, Oregon, representing Portland Metro Council's Blue Ribbon Committee for Trails. The group, made up of civic, elected, and business leaders, visited two of the most bicycle friendly cities in the world, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, to learn how the experiences of these cities could inform the development of more than 900 miles of user-friendly, multi-modal trails in the Portland metropolitan region.
Volker delivers debut ambassadorial speech September 29, 2008 Brussels
In a Sept. 29 speech to a Brussels audience of diplomats, scholars, and policymakers, new U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker urged the transatlantic community to address international crises together, most notably in dealing with Russia's influence over its neighbors.
Time to rethink the WTO? September 26, 2008 Washington, DC
On Friday September 26, GMF hosted a discussion on the institutional challenges facing the World Trade Organization (WTO) entitled "Time to rethink the WTO?" with Debra Steger, professor of law at the University of Ottawa, and Vinod Busjeet, minister counselor at the Embassy of Mauritius. Jennifer Hillman, a senior Transatlantic Fellow at GMF, introduced the speakers and moderated the discussion. A podcast interview with Debra Steger is also available for download.
Balkan Trust for Democracy celebrates five years of effective grantmaking September 25, 2008 Belgrade, Serbia
On September 25-26, a diverse group of high-level civic activists, policymakers, and regional experts gathered in Serbia to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD). Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Božidar Ðelic proclaimed in his opening speech "we are very proud to have the Trust here in Belgrade." Noting the diversity of the crowd--comprised of Europeans, Americans, and representatives from throughout the Balkan region--Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic stressed in his keynote speech that "building a democratic society is our common objective." Audio of the speech and several discussion panels is available for download.
Transatlantic Cities Network launch convenes a meeting of U.S.-EU city representatives September 25, 2008 Washington, DC
From September 25-27, GMF launched the Transatlantic Cities Network (TCN) with a three-day workshop, bringing together for the first time representatives from 15 of the network's 25 cities. The representatives, a diverse group of planners, architects, leaders of community foundations and organizations, members of the business community, city officials, and policy experts, gathered at GMF's headquarters in Washington, DC, to collaboratively define a vision and purpose for the network.
Event on evangelical Christianity and U.S. politics broadcast on NPR September 23, 2008 Berlin
On September 23rd, GMF's Berlin office, in cooperation with the Protestant Academy (Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin) and its director Rüdiger Sachau, hosted a panel discussion on the role of religion in the U.S. presidential elections.
GMF convenes Marshall Forum on Transatlantic Affairs in Los Angeles September 18, 2008 Los Angeles
From September 18 to 21, the German Marshall Fund, in partnership with the Los Angeles-based MMF alumni planning committee, hosted the first Marshall Forum on Transatlantic Affairs of 2008 in Los Angeles, drawing largely upon local and regional government officials, NGO leaders, and upon issues important both locally and internationally.
Rice: U.S. and Europe must stand up to Russia together September 18, 2008 Washington, DC At a speech hosted by the German Marshall Fund on Thursday, September 18, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the United States and Europe must stand up together in the face of an assertive Russia but rejected the idea of another Cold War.
Stanzel, Fried respond to Rice speech September 18, 2008 Washington
On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 18, Volker Stanzel, the political director of the German Federal Foreign Office, and Dan Fried, the U.S. undersecretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs, agreed that Russia's recent aggression has amounted to increased isolation from the West. Sergey Kislyak, who was in his first day as Russian Ambassador to the United States, was in the audience and took exception during a response to Stanzel and Fried. The event took place just a few hours after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice delivered a major speech on U.S.-Russia relations to a German Marshall Fund audience.
Bennett addresses Peter Weitz journalism prize winners September 18, 2008 Washington, DC
On Thursday, September 18, GMF hosted Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah) to address the recipients of the Peter R. Weitz Prize for excellence and originality in U.S. reporting on Europe and the transatlantic relationship.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Moscow says EU leaders need to give clear signal September 8, 2008 Brussels, Belgium
On September 8, the German Marshall Fund of the United States organized an event in cooperation with the Centre for European Reform (CER) in Brussels, Belgium, entitled "EU-Ukrainian relations: Where next after the Georgian crisis?" The event was held in advance of the EU-Ukrainian summit in France in order to examine the political dynamics in Ukraine and the potential for integration into the European Union. Ukrainian Ambassador to Moscow, Konstyantin Gryshchenko, and Thomas Valasek, CER's director of Foreign Policy and Defence, were the speakers.
Private Foundations as Global Civil Entrepreneurs: An Answer to Poor Performance of Global Governance? September 4, 2008 Washington, DC
On September 4, GMF and the Heinrich Böll Foundation co-hosted a discussion entitled, "Private foundations as global civil entrepreneurs: An answer to poor performance of global governance?" Tine Stein and Lora Viola of the Social Science Research Center in Berlin were invited to share their research on the role of social and civil entrepreneurship in international development in government agencies, private foundations, non-profits, and global institutions.
GMF co-hosts development panel at RNC September 1, 2008 Minneapolis, Minn.
On September 1, the German Marshall Fund partnered with Oxfam America to host a panel discussion on "The Future of Foreign Assistance: Effective Development and National Security." The event was one of several in a series the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs organized during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Leaders debate Georgian War and Russian Relations September 1, 2008 Brussels, Belgium
On September 1, the German Marshall Fund of the United States held a debate entitled "The war in Georgia and relations with Russia: What happened and what now?" in Brussels, Belgium, just before an emergency European Summit began.
European climate negotiators, U.S. campaign teams convene climate policy roundtables in DC July 21, 2008 Washington, DC
From July 21-22, GMF hosted nine senior climate negotiators from Europe in Washington, DC, to participate in a series of roundtable dialogues and other events to discuss U.S. and international climate policy issues with senior policy advisors to the Obama and McCain campaign teams, senior Congressional staff, and U.S. NGO and business leaders. A podcast interview with members from the European group is available for download.
Broadbent, Turner discuss urbanization in Canada and the United States July 17, 2008 Washington, DC
On July 17, GMF hosted a luncheon in the Cannon House Building on Capitol Hill with Alan Broadbent, the chairman of the Maytree Foundation, and Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH). Mr. Broadbent opened the event by discussing his recent book, Urban Nation. In addition to highlighting the book’s main points, he offered ways in which its prescriptions for empowering Canadian cities can be applied to an American context.
Panel discusses role of philanthropic foundations in international development cooperation July 14, 2008 Washington, DC
On July 14, GMF hosted Jan Martin Witte, Associate Director of the Global Public Policy Initiative (GPPi) and Country Representative for Living Goods Uganda, for a roundtable discussion on his co-authored GPPi research paper, "Transforming Development? The Role of Philanthropic Foundations in International Development Cooperation." Jan Martin Witte was joined by Geoffrey Lamb, Managing Director for Public Policy at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Inaugural Transatlantic Forum on Migration and Integration concludes in Nuremberg July 10, 2008 Nuremberg, Germany On July 9-13, the first annual Transatlantic Forum on Migration and Integration (TFMI) was held at Castle Pommersfelden near Nuremberg, Germany. Organized by GMF with support from the Robert Bosch Stiftung, sixty emerging young leaders with diverse backgrounds from business, government, media, academia, and the nonprofit sectors on both sides of the Atlantic convened to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by ongoing migration flows. By exploring multiple perspectives on these issues, participants will share ideas for best practices and form lasting professional relationships across political and national boundaries.
The goal in Iran should be transparency and verification, says Polenz July 8, 2008 Washington, DC
On July 8, GMF hosted Ruprecht Polenz, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the German Bundestag, and Ray Takeyh, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, for a discussion on the role of Europe in dealing with Iran. An hour-long segment from this event was aired on NPR in Berlin from July 26-28, 2008, and is available for download here.
Discussion tackles differences between the role of soccer in the U.S. and Europe June 12, 2008 Washington, DC
On June 12, GMF in cooperation with the Heinrich-Boell-Foundation hosted a discussion on "The Role of Soccer in the U.S. and Europe." The discussion was followed by a live screening of a Euro 2008 championship match featuring Germany and Croatia. The light-hearted discussion featured German Ambassador to the United States Dr. Klaus Scharioth; DC United President & CEO Kevin Payne, and Dr. Heiko Hesse, a former professional soccer player turned economist.
Waiting for new U.S. administration a risky strategy for tackling climate change June 11, 2008 Washington, DC
On June 11, GMF hosted a climate policy lunch discussion for senior officials from embassies of G-8 countries and the United States government to discuss options for crafting a policy framework for future international climate cooperation.
Russia, Afghanistan panels from Bucharest Conference featured in three-part radio series June 7, 2008 Bucharest
From April 1-3, GMF held the Bucharest Conference, a three day gathering with panel discussions featuring leaders surrounding the role of NATO in the international community. The conference was held alongside the official 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest and provided a forum for leading policymakers, opinion leaders, scholars, and business people from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss the most pressing issues facing NATO and the international community. From June 7-21, NPR Berlin broadcasted two panels from the conference in a three-part series.
Dailey: Information sharing is the essence of counterterrorism activities May 30, 2008 Washington, DC
On May 30, GMF hosted a luncheon discussion entitled, “U.S. and European approaches in the fight against terrorism.” The event featured Dell L. Dailey, coordinator for counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State, and Jeremy Shapiro of The Brookings Institute’s Center on the United States and Europe, GMF Senior Transatlantic fellow Ambassador Michael Polt moderated the discussion, which was held under the Chatham House rule.
Figel: Need to educate our youth to compete in tomorrow’s economy May 28, 2008 Washington, DC
On May 28, GMF hosted Jan Figel, the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture, and Youth, for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing Europe as it works to educate its youth for a changing economic landscape. He was joined by Dr. Allan Goodman, president of the Institute for International Education, who offered a perspective on the future of American higher education.
Book discussion: The end of the west May 28, 2008 Berlin
On May 28, GMF Berlin hosted a panel discussion on the book "The End of the West," a collection of essays edited by Jeffrey Anderson of Georgetown, John Ikenberry of Princeton, and Thomas Risse of the Free University of Berlin. Anderson and Risse attended, and were joined by Michael Zürn, the dean of the Hertie School of Government in Berlin.
Ten institutes receive grants to work on immigration and integration issues May 27, 2008 Berlin
Each year, the German Marshall Fund of the United States provides substantial financial support to university institutes and think tanks in the U.S. and Europe working on immigration and integration issues. For two days, the representatives from this year's supported institutions joined members of the German Bundestag, practitioners, and foundation representatives in Berlin for an event to mark the beginning of the newly funded activities.
GMF leads study tour through France and Germany to investigate transportation issues May 24, 2008 Paris, France; Stuttgart, Germany
From May 24 to 30, GMF led a study tour through Paris, France, and Stuttgart, Germany, consisting of six congressional staffers, one Congressional Research Service researcher, and two state-level elected officials to examine transportation infrastructure, systems, policies, and financing at all levels of government.
Panel discusses the economic impact of the February 2008 NAMA modalities text May 16, 2008 Washington, DC
On May 16, GMF hosted a luncheon discussion entitled, “Manufacturing consent: What’s on the table in the Doha Round Negotiations on non-agricultural market access.” The event featured GMF-sponsored research by Dr. Joseph Francois, professor of economics at Johannes Kepler University and managing director of Trade Partnership Worldwide, LLC, on the economic effects of the February 2008 NAMA modalities text. Frank Vargo of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and Will Martin of the World Bank’s Trade and Development Research Group joined Dr. Francois in the discussion.
Vejvoda: Election results "secure European and democratic future" for Serbia, Balkans May 16, 2008 Washington, DC
GMF Senior Communications Officer Will Bohlen sat down with Ivan Vejvoda, the executive director of the Balkan Trust for Democracy, to talk about the surprise victory in recent Serbia elections by the pro-European coalition around Serbian President Boris Tadic. Click here to download the podcast.
GMF holds roundtable on recent Serbian parliamentary election May 11, 2008 Washington, DC
On May 15, GMF held a roundtable discussion on the recent parliamentary election in Serbia that featured Ivan Vejvoda, executive director of GMF's Belgrade office and the Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD). Ambassador Michael Polt, senior transatlantic fellow at GMF, participated in the discussion, and Pavol Demes, director of GMF's Bratislava office, moderated the discussion.
Book discussion: What does China think? May 9, 2008 Washington, DC
On May 9, GMF hosted Mark Leonard for a discussion of his new book, "What Does China Think." While there has been much focus on the economic rise of China, scholars have devoted little attention to the philosophical, political, and cultural debates within China. Mark Leonard, the executive director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Dr. David Shambaugh, the director of the China Policy Program at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, discussed the intellectual debates within China, and the impact these internal debates may have on Europe and the United States.
U.S. Ambassador Khalilzad confident about multilateral efforts in Afghanistan April 25, 2008 Washington, DC
On April 25, GMF hosted Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, for a discussion on the future of Afghanistan and the role of the international community. In a conversation with German journalist Klaus-Peter Siegloch of ZDF Television, Khalilzad expressed confidence in current multilateral efforts in Afghanistan and reaffirmed American support for new UN Special Representative Kai Eide.
From May 3-5, GMF and NPR brought you the conversation between Amb. Khalilzad and Klaus-Peter Siegloch in an hour-long program on NPR Worldwide. This piece is now available for download here.
What Price Energy Transformation? April 24, 2008 Brussels, Belgium
On April 24 and 25, GMF, in partnership with the Berlin-based Ecologic Institute for International & European Environmental Policy and funding from the EU Commission, the ERP program, and the Böll Foundation and the Danish Embassy, hosted the final seminar of the three-part strategy series entitled "What Price Energy Transformation?" in Brussels.
Open skies: Will there ever be truly open transatlantic air services? April 14, 2008 Washington, DC
On April 14, the GMF hosted a luncheon panel discussion entitled “Open skies: Will there ever be truly open transatlantic air services?” The event is part of the GMF’s Ttansatlantic marketplace & international regulatory cooperation projects that examine how cooperation can be enhanced to benefit the transatlantic economy.
U.S. elections speakers tour visits DC, European cities April 7, 2008 Washington, DC - Turin - Munich - Stockholm
"We don't contribute to the American presidency, but we are certainly part of it." Piero Gastaldo's opening remarks at an event co-sponsored by GMF and the Compagnia di San Paolo in Turin, Italy, reflected the mood seen at each stop on the German Marshall Fund's second European speakers tour on the 2008 U.S. presidential elections. The tour brought three political-insiders from Washington, DC, to Turin, Munich, and Stockholm for a series of events on the November elections.
Bush, Karzai, Harper bring NATO debates to the Bucharest Conference April 1, 2008 Bucharest, Romania
The Bucharest Conference featured addresses by U.S. President George W. Bush, Romanian President Traian Basescu, Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, and Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, as well as other panel discussions on pressing NATO issues such as enlargement, missile defense, and Russia. Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer discussed alliance operations in Afghanistan.
The Bucharest Conference website features archived video of the full speeches and sessions, highlight reels, transcripts, and press releases.
Immigration and homeland security challenges facing Germany March 27, 2008 Washington, DC
On March 27, GMF, in cooperation with the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation, hosted Joachim Herrmann (CSU), the interior minister of the Free State of Bavaria, for a luncheon presentation and discussion entitled "Immigration and homeland security challenges facing Germany." Mr. Ulf Gartzke, head of the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation in Washington, DC, introduced the speaker and Dr. Stephen Szabo, executive director of the Transatlantic Academy at GMF, moderated the discussion.
Global security threats and Central Europe March 11, 2008 Bratislava
On March 11, GMF Bratislava, in cooperation with the Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, held a one day seminar entitled “Global security threats and Central Europe.” This workshop brought together 30 experts from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Britain, Israel, Turkey, and the United States. In three thematic sessions, the seminar examined global security threats as perceived by Central European countries, the responses and contributions of these countries to strengthening security, and the perspectives of major security players on a regional level, such as Turkey and Israel, and global level, such as NATO, EU and the United States.
The Global Fund's contribution to combating AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria March 6, 2008 Washington, DC
On March 6, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) hosted Doctor Michel Kazatchine, the executive director of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, to discuss the organization's history, work, and vision. Moderated by Senior Transatlantic Fellow Jim Kolbe, the event offered Dr. Kazatchine an opportunity to expound on the Global Fund's founding principles, innovative techniques, and real-world impact.
Book presentation - "Reclaiming Democracy: Civil Society and Electoral Change in Central and Eastern Europe" March 4, 2008 Vienna, Austria
On March 4, the Austrian Parliament hosted a presentation of the book Reclaiming Democracy: Civil Society and Electoral Change in Central and Eastern Europe that was edited by GMF's Joerg Forbrig and Pavol Demeš in cooperation with Erste Stiftung. The event featured Barbara Prammer, president of the Austrian Parliament; Erhard Busek, special coordinator of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe; Sonja Puntscher-Riekmann, director of the Research Institute on European Integration; Boris Marte, managing director of Erste Stiftung; and Pavol Demeš , director of Central and Eastern Europe of GMF. Held in the historic committee room of the lower house, the event provided an opportunity for Austrian policymakers, journalists, and NGO representatives, as well as students, to discuss recent democratic changes in Central and Eastern Europe.
Mutual recognition of securities exchanges: Prospects for transatlantic cooperation March 4, 2008 Washington, DC
On March 4, GMF hosted a luncheon discussion on "Mutual recognition of securities exchanges: Prospects for transatlantic cooperation." A system such as this would allow foreign exchanges and broker-dealers to offer investment products to U.S. investors without first having to register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), an idea suggested last year by senior SEC officials and discussed at roundtable convened by the SEC. To better understand the issue, GMF hosted Randal K. Quarles of the Carlyle Group, Nicolas Véron of the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, and Peter Chepucavage of the International Association of Small Broker Dealers and Advisors.
Citizen Diplomacy and the transatlantic relationship March 3, 2008 Washington, DC
On March 3, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) hosted Rick Steves, a renowned producer of a weekly public radio program, author of over 30 books on European travel, and host of Rick Steves' Europe, a television show on PBS, for a discussion on citizen Diplomacy in the United States and Europe post 9/11. A podcast interview with Rick Steves is also available for download.
NATO in Afghanistan - A challenge to transatlantic burden sharing March 3, 2008 Washington, DC
On March 3, GMF hosted a discussion entitled “NATO in Afghanistan - A challenge to transatlantic burden sharing," featuring Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Volker, German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth, and Canadian Deputy Head of Mission Guy Saint-Jacques. GMF Senior Transatlantic Fellow Michael Polt moderated the discussion.
What is the price of energy transformation? February 28, 2008 Berlin
On February 28-29, GMF Berlin, in partnership with the Ecologic Institute for International & European Environmental Policy, hosted the second leg of a three part strategy seminar entitled "What is the price energy transformation?" at the Danish Embassy in Berlin. Participants were drawn from both sides of the Atlantic and included experts from the NGO community, government officials, and representatives from the energy sector. The discussion focused on the nexus of energy, climate change, and security issues, with a particular emphasis on resources and climate change.
Germany after two years of grand coalition February 28, 2008 Washington, DC
On February 28, GMF, in cooperation with the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS), hosted German Federal Minister and Head of the Chancellery Dr. Thomas de Maizière for a presentation and discussion titled "Germany after two years of grand coalition." The event featured opening remarks by Mr. John Podesta, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and former chief of staff to President Clinton.
Assessing the outcomes of the U.S.-EU biofuels working group February 22, 2008 Washington, DC
On February 22, GMF hosted a roundtable meeting on the European proposal for a new EU directive on the use of renewable energy and to assess the outcomes of the February 21 meeting of the EU-U.S. biofuels working group under the EU-U.S. Strategic Energy Cooperation. The speakers featured Alexandra Langenheld, a national expert on regulatory policy and promotion of renewable energy at the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy and Transport, and Jeff Skeer from the office of policy and international affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy.
Bridging the foreign policy divide February 6, 2008 Brussels
On February 6, GMF Brussels hosted an event on the future of U.S. foreign policy entitled "Bridging the foreign policy divide." Tod Lindberg from the National Review and David Shorr from the Stanley Foundation discussed their latest project; a compilation of papers by prominent Democratic and Republican experts on foreign policy challenges.
Macedonian FM discusses NATO aspirations, regional issues February 6, 2008 Washington, DC
On February 6, GMF hosted Antonio Milososki, the minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, and Kurt D. Volker, principal deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, for a discussion on the status of Macedonia's negotiations for NATO accession and EU membership, as well as regional issues.
The race to the White House: an analysis of Super Tuesday February 6, 2008 Berlin
On February 6, GMF Berlin, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, hosted a discussion entitled "The race to the White House: an analysis of Super Tuesday." About 120 people attended a panel discussion with William Chandler, a professor at University of California in San Diego; Mr. William Drozdiak from American Council on Germany; and Mr. Ralf Beste, Marshall Memorial Fellow and a journalist with Der Spiegel in Berlin. Constanze Stelzenmüller, executive director of GMF's Berlin Office, moderated the discussion held in the State Representation of Baden-Württemberg.
Basescu serves up some suprises in NATO Summit Preview January 31, 2008 Brussels, Belgium
On January 31, GMF Brussels hosted a talk by Romanian President Traian Basescu, entitled "Gearing up for the NATO Summit," that was later opened up for a question and answer session from the audience. Dr. Ronald D. Asmus, the executive director of GMF's Brussels Office, moderated the event held in the packed Polak Room of the Residence Palace.
Innovations in Aid series: "Outcome-based conditionality: Too good to be true?" January 28, 2008 Brussels
On January 28, GMF Brussels, as a part of its Innovations in Aid series, hosted a report launch event for a report entitled "Outcome-based conditionality: Too good to be true?" by Eurodad, a European network of development NGOs. Ms. Nuria Molina-Gallart presented the report, followed by responses from representatives of two leading donors: Manuela Ferro from the World Bank and Riccardo Maggi from the European Commission. Alex Wilks, the director of Eurodad moderated the event and in attendance were European Union permanent representatives from Sweden, Finland, Austria, France, and Spain, as well as representatives from the embassies of several African countries.
Regulation and national security: Creating effective policies across the Atlantic January 23, 2008 Washington, DC
On January 23, GMF Brussels held a discussion entitled "Regulation and national security: Creating effective policies across the Atlantic." Professor Henry Farrell of George Washington University in Washington, DC, presented his draft paper (to be published by GMF in March 2008) on Information Politics in the New Transatlantic Agenda. Ms. Sophie in't Veld, a member of the European Parliament from the Netherlands, provided a response.
European and American climate policies after Bali January 21, 2008 Berlin
On January 21, GMF, in cooperation with Deutsche BP, hosted a conference in Berlin to discuss "European and American climate policies after Bali." The keynote speakers were Dr. Harlan Watson, the senior climate negotiator for the United States at the Climate Change Conference in Bali, and Franzjosef Schafhausen, deputy director general for environment and energy at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.
Toward a grand strategy in an uncertain world: Renewing transatlantic partnership January 16, 2008 Brussels, Belgium
On January 16, GMF Brussels hosted a debate entitled "Toward a grand strategy in an uncertain world: Renewing transatlantic partnership," based on a paper written by five distinguished military personnel. Four of the five authors attended the debate in an attempt to explain and expand on their plan for creating a safer world, hopefully creating an alliance of democracies stretching from Finland to Alaska
The adaptation of PEPFAR to the aid effectiveness challenge January 14, 2008 Washington, DC
On January 14, GMF hosted Ambassador Mark Dybul, the U.S. global AIDS coordinator of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Washington, DC, for a discussion on the adaptation of PEPFAR to the aid effectiveness challenge. The event was moderated by GMF senior transatlantic fellow Jim Kolbe. Also available is a podcast interview between Jim Kolbe and Ambassador Dybul.
GMF and NPR Worldwide are pleased to bring you an audio program from a discussion on January 8, 2008, at GMF on the recent UN Climate Change conference in Bali, Indonesia. The event featured Elliot Diringer from the Pew Center for Global Climate Change and Ana Unruh-Cohen from the House Select Committee on Independent Energy & Global Warming.
The program, in which the speakers give a read-out of the Bali conference and the potential next steps for the transatlantic partners leading up to the next climate change gathering, airs on NPR Worldwide in Europe. Please visit NPR Worldwide's website to find out more about the program's air times.
Bulgarian FM discusses next steps for the Balkans January 4, 2008 Washington, DC
On January 4, GMF hosted Ivailo Kalfin, the foreign minister and deputy prime minister of the republic of Bulgaria, for a luncheon roundtable entitled "What Next for the Balkans," in which he examined the pitfalls and opportunities of a fragile upcoming year for the Balkan region, and highlighted the region's relationship with both Europe and the United States.
On July 9-13, the first annual