The Hon. Dimitrios Katsoudas, Secretary General for European Affairs at the Greek Foreign Ministry, hosted by H.E. Alexandros Mallias, Ambassador of Greece to the United States. Mr. Katsoudas discussed current and potential issues that would arise from a future EU enlargement and the challenges that the integration of new countries would represent for the evolution of the Union. He also offered his perspective about the possibility of a Mediterranean Union which would broaden the EU’s limits and would likely enhance partnership with neighboring countries.

Following on the meeting with Mr. Leffler, a special discussion was convened with The Hon. Noëlle Lenoir, former French Minister of European Affairs, now responsible for coordinating the European law practice of the American firm Debevoise & Plimpton in Paris. Mrs. Lenoir reviewed the changes being considered in the new European Treaty and their implications for diplomats, companies and citizens who deal with the European institutions. Benno van der Laan, Senior Vice President of Cabinet Stewart Inc. commented on lobbying in Brussels and the evolution of American lobbying activities with the European institutions.

The Honorable Lucas Papademos, Vice-President of the European Central Bank addressed the role of the Central Bank in dealing with the current turmoil in global financial markets, as well as the prospects for the European economy. This dinner discussion was hosted in New York City in cooperation with BlackRock, Inc.