Denver, CO
September 16-18, 2019
For our ninth stop of “Across the Pond, In the Field,” the CNAS and GMF teams headed to Denver, Colorado. We brought with us His Excellency Armando Varricchio, Ambassador of Italy to the United States; and His Excellency Ivan Korčok, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States.
Breakfast Discussion with the Denver Metro Area Chamber of Commerce
The team started the day with a breakfast with the Denver Metro Area Chamber of Commerce. The conversation focused on the perceptions of the European Union throughout Europe, the Slovak and Italian tourism industries, and the future of U.S.-EU relations.
Meeting with Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
Next, the team met with Denver Economic Development & Opportunity to discuss Denver’s spirit of innovation and start-up culture.
Meeting with Denver Business Journal
Then, we headed to the Denver Business Journal, where we met with Economic Development Reporter Ed Sealover. We delved into economic aspects of the transatlantic relationship, including Colorado-Europe trade relations and Denver’s reaction to the trade war with China.
University of Denver Lunch Discussion
The team then met with students at a lunch discussion, hosted by the University of Denver and moderated by Ambassador Christopher R. Hill. We discussed the role of the next generation of transatlanticists in renewing the transatlantic relationship.
Townhall Discussion at Metropolitan State University of Denver
We began our afternoon with a panel discussion at MSU Denver, moderated by Professor Adam Graves. We welcomed students to discuss hot button issues in Europe, including Brexit, the rise of illiberal populists, and how the European Union can better connect with its citizens.
Meetings with State Senator Kerry Donovan, State Representative Leslie Herod, and Governor Jared Polis
Next, the team headed to the State Capitol, where we met with State Senator Kerry Donovan, State Representative Leslie Herod, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The conversations centered on transatlantic ties between Colorado and Europe.
Meet and Greet with Mayor Michael Hancock
We then met with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock to discuss the centrality of city-to-city relations in today’s economy and what that means for relations between European capitals and Denver.
Reception and Public Event with WorldDenver
The night ended with a reception and panel discussion hosted by WorldDenver on the future of the U.S.-Europe relationship. The event was moderated by Greg Dobbs, award-winning journalist. We welcomed locals for a lively discussion on key dimensions of the transatlantic relationship, including Brexit, relations with Russia, and the rise of nationalism in Europe.
Meet The Panel
Dr. Karen Donfried
President, German Marshall Fund of the United States
Dr. Karen Donfried is president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening transatlantic cooperation.
Ivan Korčok
Ambassador of Slovakia to the United States
Ambassador Korčok has dedicated his career to diplomatic service and has held many high-level positions in representation of the Slovak Republic abroad.
Armando Varricchio
Ambassador of Italy to the United States
Armando Varricchio presented his credentials as ambassador of Italy to Washington on March 2, 2016, where he had previously served as head of the Economic, Trade, and Scientific Affairs Section from 2002 until 2006.
Dr. Andrea Kendall-Taylor
Senior Fellow and Director, Transatlantic Security Program, CNAS
Andrea Kendall-Taylor is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security.
We enjoyed meeting with everyone and hearing about what the foreign policy issues that matter to Coloradans. We’re excited to head to Dallas, TX in November!
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