On May 11, Ambassador Philipp T. Reeker, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, US Department of State, joined AmCham Germany for the second event in the series Transatlantic Talks: Paving the Path Ahead 2021.
Ambassador Reeker provided a range of special insights on diverse topics of the transatlantic community, as through his Bureau he oversees a total of about 50 countries in the Eurasia region. He outlined the importance of this time period with the changes in both federal administrations and emphasized the enormous challenges facing the community alongside its global effects, as in a globalized world, issues are no longer attached to a single area, but a chain of countries and stakeholders. These challenges, which are regarded by the Biden administration as focal points, include the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate, and China’s rise and development.
Overall, the Biden administration is prioritizing working together with traditional allies to continue strengthening the bridges between both blocs. Ambassador Reeker provided an overview of areas in which transatlantic cooperation is needed as means to strengthen mutual engagement: transatlantic security which involves climate challenges, infrastructure, the digital economy, and finding innovative solutions together for the future are key. One key point of his remarks was that ''Europe, Germany, and the US must find a strategy to discuss about areas where there are disagreements without affecting areas where there are agreements.'' Ambassador Reeker emphasized once more that consultation and coordination between the US and EU is essential.
Thank you to Ambassador Reeker for his insights and joining our members for a lively discussion. We want to thank the Chapter Baden-Württemberg and especially Chapter Chair Prof. Dr. Gerhard Wegen for the organization of this event.
