The German Marshall Fund’s Brussels Forum Takes on Disruptions to World Order, Future of the Transatlantic Relationship

June 29, 2019
3 min read
Full Videos and Transcripts Now Available: Conversations with Stoltenberg, Mogherini, SACEUR Wolters, Reynders, DG Trade Sabine Weyand, Recode co-founder Kara Swisher, EU foreign and defense ministers, US adminis
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Full Videos and Transcripts Now Available: Conversations with Stoltenberg, Mogherini, SACEUR Wolters, Reynders, DG Trade Sabine Weyand, Recode co-founder Kara Swisher, EU foreign and defense ministers, US administration officials and members of Congress, among others

Brussels (June 29, 2019)-- The German Marshall Fund of the United States has concluded its annual Brussels Forum, where US and European policymakers debated the most critical challenges facing the transatlantic community. In its 14th year, Brussels Forum conversations centered around global disruptions: the rising competition with authoritarian powers such as China and Russia, the urgency of a coherent climate change strategy, the increasing polarization of US and European politics, and the unprecedented effects on society and security posed by the proliferation of technology.

Day One of Brussels Forum featured high-level conversations surrounding hot button security and defense challenges and innovations. EU High Representative Federica Mogherini discussed the effectiveness of EU foreign policy and the need for a coordinated US-EU approach to China. On the heels of this week’s NATO ministerial in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the collapse of the INF Treaty and NATO’s focus on bringing Russia back to compliance. Foreign ministers from Poland and Slovakia, defense ministers from North Macedonia and Latvia, and the newly installed SACEUR General Tod Wolters also participated in discussions on the future of security, defense, and deterrence in a changing world.

Day Two saw a candid discussion on race and equity in society with former New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu and MEP-electSamira Rafaela. A significant portion of the day was devoted to the prospects of another economic crisis and the state of international trade, as well as the crisis of climate change and how to address it at the city, national, and global levels. 

Closing out the Forum on Saturday morning was a conversation with Belgium’s Foreign Minister Didier Reynders in which he discussed the growth of authoritarian regimes in Europe and the need for a common EU response to violations to the rule of law. The conference concluded with a forward-looking conversation on the vast set of challenges unleashed on democratic societies by the under-regulated and rapid rise of Silicon Valley’s technology giants and social media platforms. 

All on-the-record videos are available on Youtube and on the Brussels Forum website. Additional assets including transcripts and photos can be accessed at the links below. 

Please be in touch with any of the media relations contacts below for further information about Brussels Forum or the German Marshall Fund’s work. 

 

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ASSETS FROM GMF’s BRUSSELS FORUM: 

 

About the German Marshall Fund of the United States:

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is the leading organization dedicated to deepening transatlantic ties by shaping the policy conversation, strengthening civil society, and developing leaders. Headquartered in Washington, DC, GMF’s office network includes Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Warsaw, Ankara, Belgrade, and Bucharest. GMF was established in 1972 with a gift from Germany to thank Americans for Marshall Plan assistance.

GMF champions human rights, democracy, and rule of law – the values that make the transatlantic relationship a vital force for global good. It nurtures relationships between Europe and America, connecting people and ideas on both sides of the Atlantic that are shaping the future. We know that Europe and America working together is essential for a free, prosperous, and secure world.

 

About GMF’s Brussels Forum:

Brussels Forum is the German Marshall Fund’s annual, marquee summit bringing together the most influential North American and European political, corporate, and intellectual leaders to address consequential challenges currently facing the transatlantic community. Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are being tested by enduring and emerging challenges—from new security threats and the vast implications of technology, to polarized politics, economic insecurity, and climate change. By bringing together the preeminent thinkers and doers in the field, GMF's Brussels Forum helps shape a new transatlantic agenda that can adapt to changing global realities and new threats.

Now in its 14th year, Brussels Forum participants include heads of state, senior officials from the European Union institutions and the member states, U.S. cabinet officials, U.S. congressional representatives, parliamentarians, academics, and journalists.