Decision makers and policy experts from both sides of the Atlantic converged in Brussels to discuss the relationship of the European Union and the United States in a changing and multipolar world.

Organized by the Directorates-General Research and External Relations of the European Commission in a time where the European Union is defining new roles following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and President Obama enters his second year in office facing complex and difficult challenges, this conference brought together over forty representatives of government and public policy as well as research and academia in a forum for dialogue across the Atlantic.

Over two days, participants addressed a range of issues affecting the strategic alliance between Europe and the United States going forward, ranging from the protection of fundamental rights and security to climate change and recovery from the financial crisis. Michael Mehling of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC was invited to provide a transatlantic perspective on the environmental consequences of economic recovery following the 2008-2009 recession, and to highlight opportunities for truly sustainable, “green” recovery and economic transformation in a competitive, clean energy economy.