Prominent Opinions

"Facing a transformation of magnitude never seen before in the past in terms of speed and impact on its people, Europe has a duty to develop and defend its own way, a model balancing economic and social development. Only a United Europe will have the size and impact to matter in the world."

— Denis Terrien,
Chairman of the Supervisory board Grandir Group, Board member United Europe
Prominent Opinions

"At a time when populism is gaining in significance in many European countries and beyond, it is more important than ever to participate in the political process – our democracy thrives on it. My urgent appeal to you: Strengthen the reason, send a signal and go to the European elections!"

— Prof. Dr Dr Reinhard Hüttl,
CEO Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam
Prominent Opinions

"What is Germany without Europe? In times of increasing populism and conflicts all over the world, we need a strong, democratic Europe. A high turnout at the upcoming European election would be a strong signal for a united Europe. The world needs a strong Europe."

— Andreas Rudolph,
Chairman of the Board, GHD GesundHeits GmbH Germany
Prominent Opinions

"We can all appreciate the immense contributions of the EU concerning growth and prosperity across Europe. However, the real merit is that 500 M people live today in freedom, for whom the concept of war or conflict with each other would be unthinkable. It is imperative that we preserve this within a strong European Union."

— Dr. Michael Böhmer,
Partner, Ernst & Young GmbH
Prominent Opinions

"The European idea is fundamental for our democracy, history and values. And Europe is our only chance to maintain relevance in a world that is changing ever faster. Thus, we must continue to develop the European idea and concentrate on few major projects like defence, energy, mobility or aspects of digital."

— Dr. Leonhard Birnbaum,
Member of the Board, E.ON SE
Prominent Opinions

"We are better together - economically, culturally and in every other way. Better together with 500 million people."

— Baroness Jay of Paddington,
Member House of Lords, Board United Europe
Prominent Opinions

"Diversity and prosperity are the basis of a united, strong and livable Europe in which all people live in peace and satisfaction. Europe needs strong regions, strong cultures and strong economies. There lies the power of a strong Europe."

— Uwe Reuter,
Chairman VHV Holding AG
Prominent Opinions

"Europe has patiently succeeded at achieving peace and unprecedented prosperity. We have built a unique area of tolerance, free trade and diversity. Yet it’s construction remains fragile and in need for our constant care, attention and love."

— Guillaume Alvarez,
Senior Vice President EMEA, Steelcase

Two years of President Trump: What is Europe’s response?

CEO Roundtable in cooperation with the Atlantik-Brücke on 17th December, 2018, Übersee-Club Hamburg (participation by invitation only).

The Western alliance is facing one of its most difficult stress tests since the end of World War II. Two years after Donald Trump was elected 45th President of the United States, transatlantic issues from trade to burden sharing have become increasingly contended. Will Europe be able to respond to the current challenges with one voice?

Europe is facing an epochal change, says Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, member of Atlantik-Brücke’s Board of Directors and member of United Europe. Europeans must be aware that they cannot rely on American security guarantees forever. Europe must make a greater contribution, he writes in his new book “World in Danger”: “It cannot be politically sustainable in the long term for 500 million wealthy Europeans to outsource essential parts of their security to their Atlantic partners on the other side of the ocean. Europe must become more able to act, speak with one voice and develop into a defence union.”

Yet, European responses to President Trump’s foreign policy diverge: Poland, the Baltic States, Sweden and Finland have deepened their military and security relations with the USA. In Germany, America’s security policy demands have triggered a heated debate. Will Europe be able to speak with one voice in transatlantic questions?

At our CEO Roundtable, we will address the current controversial issues in the transatlantic alliance and ask what is needed to form both a “balanced partnership” with the United States and a “sovereign, strong Europe”.

Opening Remarks:
Friedrich Merz, Chairman of Atlantik-Brücke and Board member of United Europe e.V.
Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel, former Chancellor of Austria and President of United Europe e.V.

Keynote:
Ambassador Dr. Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference

Impulses:
Peter Beyer, MdB, Coordinator of Transatlantic Cooperation at the Federal Foreign Ministry
Michal Kobosko, Senior Adviser of Poland Office at the Atlantik Council
Taavi Roivas, former Prime Minister of Estonia

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