Last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending the first half of the Dialogue with the French and German Ambassadors to the United States, sponsored by the Georgia Tech European Union Center of Excellence. During the first portion of the talks, each ambassador was allotted about ten minutes of introduction before discussing a series of questions posed by the moderator, Dr. Vicki Birchfield of the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.
A few topics were brought up on several occasions during the first portion of this dialogue. First, the two ambassadors naturally addressed the French-German relationship crucial to the European Union. Both ambassadors agreed that it is essential to maintain and develop this relationship, even in light of differences between the two countries such as their respective policies on nuclear energy. Additionally, both ambassadors were asked to address recent assertions that the European Union has lost some of its political influence due to its relatively weak role in shaping the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this past December.
En somme, Ambassadors Klaus Scharioth and Pierre Vimont, who are also close personal friends, engaged in an honest and (relatively) open discussion of many issues facing the European Union today and in the recent past. This event was an excellent opportunity for students at Georgia Tech to take part in an engaging discussion of pertinent international issues.
Benjamin Bennett
French Club @ GT Vice-President
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