The European Institute's Roundtable on Trade and Investment examines the development of the transatlantic market by providing its members with information from leading public and private sector decision makers in the U.S. and Europe. The Roundtable assesses the progress of the Transatlantic Economic Council, as well as the ongoing Doha Round and other multilateral and bilateral trade agreements. This program will also focus on the reemergence of protectionist policies spurred by the global economic crisis, evolving antitrust cases and laws, non-tariff trade barriers such as investment controls and tax policies, and intellectual property rights. The Roundtable on Trade will also examine the implications of U.S. and EU trade relations with third countries and any advancements in agricultural policy between the U.S. and EU.

Recent Meetings:

The Honorable Meglena Kuneva, European Commissioner for Consumer Protection presented the Commission’s recently completed Review of Consumer Protection Law, which seeks to strengthen, modernize and harmonize consumer protection regulations within the member states of European Union. She emphasized the importance of enforcement of consumer laws and the need for stronger discipline within the EU member-states regarding consumer policy. She was optimistic regarding the EU-U.S. consumer relationship, as both share the same goals and priorities. The high level of transparency between the U.S. and EU is good for the international economy. Lydia Parnes, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission concurred and noted that the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) is a good forum for the U.S. and EU to share information and to further collaboration efforts. The discussion was moderated by Raymond Calamaro, a partner at Hogan & Hartson LLP, in whose offices the meeting was held.

Moderated by Mark Esper, Executive Vice President, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the first session of the seminar explored the impact of export controls on defense procurement. William Lowell, Consultant and former Director of the U.S. State Department’s Office of Defense Trade Controls detailed efforts to promote industrial cooperation. Hendrik Petersson, Vice President Export Compliance, Saab AB, highlighted the impact of ITAR regulations on the European defense industry and the future of an intra-community transfer regime. Peter Lichtenbaum, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and International Policy, BAE Systems, addressed the challenges caused by export controls and their effects on international trade policy. François Gayet, Secretary General, AeroSpace and Defense Industries Association of Europe (ASD), served as the moderator for the second session at which Bernard Rétat, Chairman of the Defense Commission, ASD outlined European initiatives to streamline defense procurement and create a more competitive environment. The Hon. Robert Bell, Chairman of the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) Study Group on Trans-Atlantic Defense Industrial Cooperation and Senior Vice President for European Business Development, SAIC examined the growing importance of interoperability and NATO procurement. Gary Powell, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy outlined specific Defense Department goals for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (AT&L Goals). In his keynote remarks, The Hon. Marshall Billingslea, Acting Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy, and until recently Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Defense Investment, reviewed new trends in defense technology and procurement and their impact on the transatlantic alliance.

Georgette Lalis, Director for Consumer Goods, DG Enterprise and Industry, European Commission, outlined the European Union’s policy on the authorization of bio-similars and expressed her wish to continue and improve transatlantic dialogue on the subject. Dr. Murray Lumpkin, Deputy Commissioner for International and Special Programs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration presented the U.S. perspective was. The discussion was centered on the topic of regulatory frameworks for authorizing the marketing of follow-on biologics, referred to in Europe as bio-similars. The meeting was moderated by Charles Ludolph, Senior Vice President of Stonebridge International, LLC.

Following up on the roundtable with Nick Witney, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, this meeting focused on France’s acquisition policy and relations with the EDA. Lt. Gen. Patrick Auroy, Deputy National Armament Director of the Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA), briefed participants on the French approach to a European Defense Industrial Base and the future of transatlantic cooperation. He outlined the major trends of the industrial policy in Europe, including using more competition and market forces, fostering cooperative programs, and giving visibility and a common reference through the publication of a clear European Defense Technology Industrial Base strategy. He also addressed the need to open the defense market and the challenges created by export controls. An open defense market, he said, will benefit all defense players with new levels of efficiency and economies of scale. Progress is needed on the intra-continental level since export is a major part of the industry. Subsequently, market forces need to be increased in order to have a globally competitive base. The Hon. William Greenwalt, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy offered a U.S. perspective.

This special meeting with Cong. Robert Wexler, Chairman of the Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Members of the Subcommittee, including Congressmen Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Ranking Member; John S. Tanner (D-TN) and Albio Sires (D-NJ), was an occasion for members of The European Institute, including the Ambassadors of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Slovakia, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, to learn more about the Subcommittee’s agenda and potential hearing schedule, as well as to exchange views with the Subcommittee members. The meeting was chaired by Jacqueline Grapin, The European Institute’s Founder and Chairman of the Board. Issues addressed included the Visa Waiver program, Turkey’s accession to the EU, container screening and trade security and improving U.S.-EU relations.