American Council On Germany

NYC: The End of Jamaica, the End of Merkel? Analyzing What Happened and What Lies Ahead
2017-11-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
The American Council on Germany, Deutsches Haus at NYU, and NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies will host a Panel Discussion with Dr. Sheri Berman, Professor of Political Science at Barnard College and Columbia University; Thomas Jahn, New York Correspondent at Handelsblatt; Dr. Christian Martin, Professor of European and Mediterranean Studies and Max Weber Visiting Chair in German and European Studies at New York University; and Dr. Steven E. Sokol, President at the American Council on Germany (Moderator).
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To the surprise of many political observers, late on Sunday night, November 19, the FDP walked out on talks about forming a coalition government with the CDU/CSU and the Greens. More than two months after the election, Germany is still without a new government – and questions abound.
Join our panel of distinguished experts to discuss the ramifications of the failed coalition negotiations and what lies ahead. Will there be snap elections? Will Angela Merkel form a minority government? What does this mean for Europe and for Germany’s role in the world? Why are the Social Democrats so adamantly opposed to joining another grand coalition? Will all of this strengthen the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)? And, is this the beginning of the end of the Merkel era?

Chicago: U.S.-EU Trade Relations in the Face of Current Challenges: Brexit, China, and Protectionism
2017-12-01 13:00 - 15:00
The Chicago Warburg Chapter and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce International Business Council will host a discussion and luncheon with Eckart von Unger, Senior Manager at the Federation of German Industries (BDI).
There is no charge to attend this event.
RSVPs are required. Register here.
Eckart von Unger is the Senior Manager in the Brussels Office of the Federation of German Industries (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie, BDI), representing the BDI in all foreign trade and investment issues vis-á-vis the institutions of the European Union and civil society. He is a member of several committees and working groups on a national and international level, including BUSINESSEUROPE, the Business and Industry Advisory Council to the OECD (BIAC), and the International Chamber of Commerce. Mr. von Unger has held several positions at BDI’s headquarters in Berlin. From 2001 until 2006, he was Director of the Country Desk in the Asia Pacific section, and from 2006 until 2009, he and his team coordinated the Northern Africa and Middle East Initiative of German Business (NMI). At the same time, he was also the Director responsible for Foreign Trade and Investment Promotion and Fair Trade Policies. Mr. von Unger began his career in 2000 at the press office of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the Bundestag and in a strategic consultancy for governmental relations (Steltemeier & Rawe). He holds a Master of Economic Science degree (Diplom) from the Free University of Berlin and a Bachelor’s degree (Vordiplom) in Management and Business Administration from the University of Cologne.
Abstract: This talk will cover the role of Germany and the EU in international trade, the consequences of the Brexit for EU-U.S. relations, challenges to U.S.-EU trade relations, possible approaches to dealing with China, and German views on protectionism.

Pittsburgh: Germany 2017: What Lies Ahead?
2017-12-04 11:30 - 13:00
The Pittsburgh Warburg Chapter and the German-American Chamber of Commerce will host a discussion and luncheon with Juliane Schäuble, Head of the Political Section at Der Tagesspiegel.
There is no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here by December 1.
Juliane Schäuble heads the political department at the Berlin-based daily newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, where she is responsible for the Front Page and the political section. She has more than 10 years of experience in the business and political department. Ms. Schäuble has developed and continues to organize political conferences on a regular basis in cooperation with the Freie Universität Berlin and the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung. She earned her Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Potsdam, Germany. Her studies included one semester at American University in Washington, DC, where she took classes in American foreign policy and worked part time for the American Council of Young Political Leaders. In 2009 and 2010, she was trained in the Media Manager Program of the publishing house Georg von Holtzbrinck. In 2006, she was a Fellow of the Johanna Quandt Foundation for economic journalists. Ms. Schäuble has taken part in numerous leadership programs, including the Manfred Wörner Seminar of the German Marshall Fund and the Armed Forces Office of the German Defense Ministry; Atlantik-Brücke’s German-American Young Leaders Conference; the Collaborative Leadership Program of Leadership Berlin – Netzwerk Verantwortung; and the Young Leaders Conference of the Council for the United States and Italy.
Abstract: Germany has voted. And the outcome of this election is crucial not only for Europe but also for the United States. What are the likely scenarios for the new government in Berlin? Will the new government in Berlin choose a different approach toward the Trump administration – and toward Putin’s Russia? From a U.S. perspective, who are the ones in the new German government to watch? As it continues to play a leading role in Europe, will Germany fulfill its obligations for the advancement of the European Union in terms of defense policy and in dealing with the refugee crisis?

Nashville: Germany 2017: What Lies Ahead?
2017-12-05 13:00 - 15:00
The Nashville Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and luncheon with Juliane Schäuble, Head of the Political Section at Der Tagesspiegel.
There is no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here by December 1.
Juliane Schäuble heads the political department at the Berlin-based daily newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, where she is responsible for the Front Page and the political section. She has more than 10 years of experience in the business and political department. Ms. Schäuble has developed and continues to organize political conferences on a regular basis in cooperation with the Freie Universität Berlin and the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung. She earned her Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Potsdam, Germany. Her studies included one semester at American University in Washington, DC, where she took classes in American foreign policy and worked part time for the American Council of Young Political Leaders. In 2009 and 2010, she was trained in the Media Manager Program of the publishing house Georg von Holtzbrinck. In 2006, she was a Fellow of the Johanna Quandt Foundation for economic journalists. Ms. Schäuble has taken part in numerous leadership programs, including the Manfred Wörner Seminar of the German Marshall Fund and the Armed Forces Office of the German Defense Ministry; Atlantik-Brücke’s German-American Young Leaders Conference; the Collaborative Leadership Program of Leadership Berlin – Netzwerk Verantwortung; and the Young Leaders Conference of the Council for the United States and Italy.
Abstract: Germany has voted. And the outcome of this election is crucial not only for Europe but also for the United States. What are the likely scenarios for the new government in Berlin? Will the new government in Berlin choose a different approach toward the Trump administration – and toward Putin’s Russia? From a U.S. perspective, who are the ones in the new German government to watch? As it continues to play a leading role in Europe, will Germany fulfill its obligations for the advancement of the European Union in terms of defense policy and in dealing with the refugee crisis?

San Francisco: Germany 2017: What Lies Ahead?
2017-12-08 21:00 - 23:00
The San Francisco Warburg Chapter and the Goethe-Institut will host a discussion and reception with Juliane Schäuble, Head of the Political Section at Der Tagesspiegel.
There is no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here by December 4.
Juliane Schäuble heads the political department at the Berlin-based daily newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, where she is responsible for the Front Page and the political section. She has more than 10 years of experience in the business and political department. Ms. Schäuble has developed and continues to organize political conferences on a regular basis in cooperation with the Freie Universität Berlin and the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung. She earned her Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Potsdam, Germany. Her studies included one semester at American University in Washington, DC, where she took classes in American foreign policy and worked part time for the American Council of Young Political Leaders. In 2009 and 2010, she was trained in the Media Manager Program of the publishing house Georg von Holtzbrinck. In 2006, she was a Fellow of the Johanna Quandt Foundation for economic journalists. Ms. Schäuble has taken part in numerous leadership programs, including the Manfred Wörner Seminar of the German Marshall Fund and the Armed Forces Office of the German Defense Ministry; Atlantik-Brücke’s German-American Young Leaders Conference; the Collaborative Leadership Program of Leadership Berlin – Netzwerk Verantwortung; and the Young Leaders Conference of the Council for the United States and Italy.
Abstract: Germany has voted. And the outcome of this election is crucial not only for Europe but also for the United States. What are the likely scenarios for the new government in Berlin? Will the new government in Berlin choose a different approach toward the Trump administration – and toward Putin’s Russia? From a U.S. perspective, who are the ones in the new German government to watch? As it continues to play a leading role in Europe, will Germany fulfill its obligations for the advancement of the European Union in terms of defense policy and in dealing with the refugee crisis?

Hot Topics Call: How Americans and Germans View Their Countries' Relationship
2017-12-14 11:00 - 12:00
The ACG will host a Hot Topics Call with Jacob Poushter, Senior Research Focusing on Global Attitudes at Pew Research Center, on the results of a survey on German-American relations.
To register, please fill in the form below.

NYC: The End of Multilateralism? Reflecting on 2017 and Looking Ahead to 2018
2017-12-18 18:00 - 20:00
BY INVITATION ONLY
The American Council on Germany, the Atlantik-Brücke, and the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations in New York will host a discussion and reception with Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, the Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations and Dr. Richard Haass, the President of the Council on Foreign Relations.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Ambassador Christoph Heusgen has been the Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations since July 2017. Prior to this, Ambassador Heusgen was the Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel. He served as Director and Head of the Policy Unit for High Representative Javier Solana in the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union from 1999 to 2005. Between 1988 and 1999, Ambassador Heusgen served in various capacities at the Foreign Office in Bonn, including Deputy Director-General for European Affairs from 1997 to 1999, and Head of Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel’s Private Office in charge of European Affairs from 1993 to 1997, serving as Deputy Head of the office starting in 1994. From 1990 to 1992, he was Deputy Head of the special section in charge of negotiations on the Treaty of Maastricht. He held the position of Private Secretary to the Coordinator for German-French Relations from 1988 to 1990. From 1986 to 1988, Ambassador Heusgen served in Germany’s Paris Embassy. He joined the Foreign Service in 1980 and began his Foreign Service career in the Press and Economic Affairs Office in the German Consulate in Chicago, where he worked from 1983 to 1986. He is a graduate of the University of Saint Gallen in Switzerland and Georgia South College in the United States. He earned a doctorate degree in Economics from the University of Saint Gallen in 1980.
Dr. Richard Haass has been President of the Council on Foreign Relations for the past 15 years. In 2013, he served as the chair of the multiparty negotiations in Northern Ireland that provided the foundation for the 2014 Stormont House Agreement. From January 2001 to June 2003, Dr. Haass was Director of Policy Planning for the Department of State, where he was a principal advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate to hold the rank of ambassador, Dr. Haass also served as U.S. coordinator for policy toward the future of Afghanistan and U.S. envoy to the Northern Ireland peace process. From 1989 to 1993, he was Special Assistant to President George H.W. Bush and Senior Director for Near East and South Asian affairs on the staff of the National Security Council. Previously, he served in the Departments of State (1981-1985) and Defense (1979-1980), and was a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate. Dr. Haass also was Vice President and Director of Foreign Policy studies at the Brookings Institution, the Sol M. Linowitz Visiting Professor of International Studies at Hamilton College, a Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Research Associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. A Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Haass holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and master’s and doctorate degrees from Oxford University. Dr. Haass is the author or editor of 13 books on American foreign policy and one book on management. His latest book is A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order, published in 2017 by Penguin Press.

Hot Topics Call: What the U.S. National Security Strategy Means for Transatlantic Relations.
2017-12-21 11:00 - 12:00
The ACG will host a Hot Topics Call with Constanze Stelzenmüller, Robert Bosch Senior Fellow – Foreign Policy, Center for the United States and Europe at Brookings.
To register, please fill in the form below.

Charlotte: Russia, Germany and the EU: The Future of Energy Interdependence
2018-01-10 07:40 - 09:15
The Charlotte Warburg Chapter will host a Breakfast Discussion with Bill Barnes, Director of Pisgah Partners.
There will be no charge for members and a $10 charge for nonmembers.
RSVP here by January 8.
Bill Barnes is Director of Pisgah Partners, an energy consulting company supporting conventional and photovoltaic solar power projects and negotiating oil and gas supply contracts in Europe, Africa, and the US. He has worked in the energy industry for 25 years, developing business for power and oil companies and representing international gas suppliers in LNG and pipeline gas contract arbitration disputes. Before joining the energy industry, he spent 12 years as an economic journalist, covering OPEC and other international economic organizations, and continues to contribute to industry journals. He is a graduate of Davidson College and received his Masters Degrees from Queen Mary University of London and London Business School.
Abstract: This talk will cover the role of Russia (and its predecessor USSR) in the European Union oil and gas trade, concentrating on the infrastructure links between the two which have lately been the object of so much contention within NATO and which are perceived to condition the policies of key EU countries, particularly Germany and Italy. It will also address the EU’s position as an energy importer in light of the renewal of US energy exports.

NYC: 2018 Annual Meeting of the Members
2018-01-17 17:00 - 19:00
2018 Annual Meeting of the Members
Ambassador Robert M. Kimmitt
steps down as ACG Chairman and
Ambassador John B. Emerson
is elected as ACG Chairman
5:00 p.m. – Meeting of the Members
6:00 p.m. – Discussion and Reception with Dr. Christoph Heusgen,
Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations

NYC: German-American Relations in Turbulent Times
2018-01-18 08:00 - 09:30
The ACG will host a breakfast briefing with Ambassador Peter Wittig, German Ambassador to the United States.
Space is extremely limited. RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Ambassador Peter Wittig has served as German Ambassador to the United States since April 2014. Prior to this, he was German Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and represented Germany during its tenure as a member of the UN Security Council from 2011 until 2012. There, he drew on his wide expertise in UN matters, having previously served as Director-General for United Nations and Global Issues at the German Foreign Office in Berlin and having been posted to the German Permanent Mission in New York in the late 1980s. Ambassador Wittig joined the German Foreign Service in 1982. He has also served in Madrid, as the private secretary to the Foreign Minister, and as Ambassador both in Lebanon and then in Cyprus. He was the German Government Special Envoy on the “Cyprus question” (the division of Cyprus). He has extensive knowledge of the Middle East. Before starting his career in the German Foreign Service, Ambassador Wittig studied history, political science, and law at Bonn, Freiburg, Canterbury, and Oxford universities and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Freiburg.

NYC: A Full Standstill Ahead? The Prospects for Another Grand Coalition in Germany
2018-02-01 18:00 - 20:00
The American Council on Germany, Deutsches Haus at NYU, and NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies will host a Panel Discussion with Thomas Jahn, New York Correspondent for Handelsblatt and Dr. Christian Martin, Professor of European and Mediterranean Studies and Max Weber Visiting Chair in German and European Studies at New York University, moderated by Dr. Steven E. Sokol, President at the American Council on Germany.
You must register through Eventbrite in order to attend.
Please click here to register.
Almost six months after the general election, Germany is still without a new government. While Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats have entered coalition talks, the outcome of these talks is far from certain. And whatever the outcome, the deal would still be subject to approval by the SPD’s party members. This uncertainty in Europe’s biggest economy comes in the wake of an election that saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secure more than 90 seats in the Bundestag and an increasingly Euro-skeptic Free Democratic Party listing to the right.
This panel will address some of the questions that abound. Will Angela Merkel finally be able to form a stable government? Will another Grand Coalition further strengthen the extremes? What do these developments mean for German politics? What do they mean for Europe? And, what are the implications for the strategic challenges that are facing Germany, such as demographic shifts and technological change?

Hot Topics Call: Germany After the Fall of the Berlin Wall
2018-02-05 11:00 - 12:00
The ACG will hold a Hot Topics Call with Consul General David Gill, who will reflect on growing up behind the Wall, the experiences he had immediately after the fall of the Wall, and how Germany has changed in nearly 30 years since November 1989.
To register, please fill in the form below.

Atlanta: Creative Diplomacy: Producing Shared Stories for Global Audiences
2018-02-07 12:00 - 14:00
The Atlanta Warburg Chapter of the American Council on Germany and the American Academy of Diplomacy will host a discussion and luncheon with Charles H. Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America and Former Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs.
There will be a $35 charge for ACG and GACC members and a $45 charge for nonmembers of either organization to attend this event.
Lunch is included in the price.
RSVP here by February 2.
Charles H. Rivkin joined the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) as CEO on September 5, 2017, and became Chairman on December 6, 2017. He leads the MPAA’s global mission to advance one of the strongest and most vibrant industries – the American motion picture, home video, and television sector. Most recently, he served as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs from February 2014 to January 2017. He previously served for more than four years as the U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco, leading a diplomatic mission that contained six constituent posts throughout France and represents more than 50 U.S. government agencies. Prior to his government service, Ambassador Rivkin worked for more than 20 years in the media sector, where he was President and CEO of award-winning entertainment companies such as The Jim Henson Company and Wildbrain. During this time, Ambassador Rivkin was named one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company. He received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1984, graduating with distinction in Political Science and International Relations. He received his MBA from Harvard University in 1988. He was personally awarded the Légion d’honneur with the rank of Commander by French President François Hollande (2013). He received the city of Paris’ highest honor – la Grande Médaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris – from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo (2015), and was presented with the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (2017). Today, Ambassador Rivkin serves on the Board of the Pacific Council and Save the Children US. He was elected as a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy in 2017.

NYC: Finding a Common Future: Remarks on the European-American Partnership
2018-02-09 08:00 - 09:30
The American Council on Germany will host a Breakfast Briefing with Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers, Chairman of the European Commission’s High-Level Strategy Group for Industrial Technologies; Former Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia; and Former Federal Minister for Education, Science, Research, and Technology.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers currently serves as an advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel and was recently appointed as Chairman of the European Commission’s High-Level Strategy Group for Industrial Technologies. Dr. Rüttgers is the former Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state of the Federal Republic of Germany. He was the first Christian Democrat since 1966 to serve as Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, a position he held from 2005 to 2010. He was also a member of the Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia from 2000 to 2012 and Chairman of the Parliamentary Group of the CDU from 2000 to 2005. As Minister-President, he successfully managed the onset of the global financial crisis by gradually reducing subsidies for the coal industry, preventing the closure of an automobile plant in his state, and committing to job-saving measures. Before focusing his political work on North Rhine-Westphalia, Dr. Rüttgers held various posts in German federal politics. Between 1987 and 2000, he was a member of the German Bundestag. From 1991 to 1994, Dr. Rüttgers was the First Secretary of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group. In 1994, he was appointed Federal Minister for Education, Science, Research, and Technology by then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl. He serves on the Boards of several foundations, including the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Council of Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation. He is Chairman of the Board of Stiftung Bundeskanzler-Adenauer-Haus and President of the German branch of the Jerusalem Foundation. He is also an attorney and a lecturer at the University of Bonn.
With special thanks to Sidley Austin LLP for sponsoring this event

Hot Topics Call with Bundestag Member Peter Beyer
2018-02-12 10:00 - 11:00
To register, please fill in the form below.

Philadelphia: The Social Benefits of Renewable Energy
2018-02-12 12:00 - 13:30
The Philadelphia Warburg Chapter and the German-American Chamber of Commerce will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Sebastian Helgenberger from the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) Potsdam.
There is no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here or to Lauren Konyves (LKonyves@mmwr.com; 215-772-7257) by February 8.
Dr. Sebastian Helgenberger leads the “Multiple Benefits of Renewables” project at IASS Potsdam. Building on experiences with Germany’s Energiewende (transition towards renewable energies), Sebastian and his team in their research activities and international science-policy dialogues are putting particular emphasis on the social and economic benefits of renewable energies as drivers of accelerated transitions towards sustainable energy for all. Sebastian studied Environmental Sciences at Leuphana University Lüneburg and conducted his master thesis at ETH Zurich on knowledge co-creation among science and society in sustainability transformations. He also holds a PhD in socio-economics, acquired from BOKU University Vienna for his work on the relevance of global warming on investment decisions in small and medium enterprises (SME). Throughout his career, Sebastian Helgenberger has been committed to advancing and experimenting with the transformative potential of science and research to accompany societal change.
Abstract: Boosted by impressive technological innovation and cost reductions, renewable energy in a growing number of countries is now primarily considered for its social and economic benefits. Among these benefits are opportunities for local value creation, energy independence, and reducing conflicts over scarce water, which are aggravated by fossil power generation. Allowing for distributed electricity generation, the rapidly expanding renewable energy world is opening up business models for many, including local communities, citizens, and citizens’ cooperatives. Experiences from Germany as well as other countries show how domestic energy policy can shape the enabling environment to seizing the social benefits of renewable energy.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

NYC: China's Emergence as a Global Security Actor and Implications for the West
2018-02-12 18:00 - 20:00
The American Council on Germany and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung will host a discussion and reception with Mikko Huotari, the Head of the Foreign Relations Program at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Mikko Huotari heads the Mercator Institute for China Studies’ program on China’s foreign relations. His research focuses on China’s foreign policy, China-Europe relations, and regional order in Asia. He has published extensively on China’s global investment strategy and economic relations with Europe, as well as on geopolitical shifts related to China’s rise as a global security actor. Before joining MERICS, he taught International Political Economy and Chinese Foreign Policy at the University of Freiburg. He gained experience in policy-oriented China research at the German-Chinese Law Institute in Nanjing, the German Embassy in Beijing, and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in Berlin while studying International Politics and International Law in Freiburg, Nanjing, and Shanghai.

Hot Topics Call with Malte Lehming
2018-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
The ACG will host a Hot Topics Call with Matle Lehming, Managing Editor of Der Tagesspiegel, on the state of the Social Democrats (SPD).
To register, please fill in the form below.

Washington DC: The Social Benefits of Renewable Energy
2018-02-13 12:00 - 14:00
The American Council on Germany and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission will host a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Sebastian Helgenberger from the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) Potsdam.
For questions, please contact Dale Medearis at
dmedearis@novaregion.org or at (703) 642-4630.
There is no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here by Friday, February 9.
Dr. Sebastian Helgenberger leads the “Multiple Benefits of Renewables” project at IASS Potsdam. Building on experiences with Germany’s Energiewende (transition towards renewable energies), Sebastian and his team in their research activities and international science-policy dialogues are putting particular emphasis on the social and economic benefits of renewable energies as drivers of accelerated transitions towards sustainable energy for all. Sebastian studied Environmental Sciences at Leuphana University Lüneburg and conducted his master thesis at ETH Zurich on knowledge co-creation among science and society in sustainability transformations. He also holds a PhD in socio-economics, acquired from BOKU University Vienna for his work on the relevance of global warming on investment decisions in small and medium enterprises (SME). Throughout his career, Sebastian Helgenberger has been committed to advancing and experimenting with the transformative potential of science and research to accompany societal change.
Abstract: Boosted by impressive technological innovation and cost reductions, renewable energy in a growing number of countries is now primarily considered for its social and economic benefits. Among these benefits are opportunities for local value creation, energy independence, and reducing conflicts over scarce water, which are aggravated by fossil power generation. Allowing for distributed electricity generation, the rapidly expanding renewable energy world is opening up business models for many, including local communities, citizens, and citizens’ cooperatives. Experiences from Germany as well as other countries show how domestic energy policy can shape the enabling environment to seizing the social benefits of renewable energy.
With special thanks to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission for hosting this event
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.

NYC: A Misaligned Alliance? How Germans and Americans Think about Today's Common Global Challenges
2018-03-01 18:00 - 20:00
The American Council on Germany, the Pew Research Center, and the Körber Stiftung, will host a discussion and reception on March 1, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Presentations by Richard Wike, the Global Attitudes Research Director at the Pew Research Center, and Nora Müller, the Executive Director of International Affairs at the Körber Stiftung, will be followed by a discussion with Jeff Rathke, the Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Ambassador Jürgen Schulz, the Deputy Permanent Representative at the German Mission to the United Nations, and Dr. Steven E. Sokol, President of the American Council on Germany, who will moderate.
There is no charge for this event. RSVPs are required.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org. With special thanks to:

NYC: Innovation and Digitalization: Technology Is the Key to Transforming the Future
2018-03-07 18:00 - 19:30
The ACG will host a discussion and reception with Dr. Reinhard Ploss, Chief Executive Officer and Member of Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Dr. Reinhard Ploss has been a member of the Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG since 2007 and CEO since October 1, 2012. Dr. Ploss began his career at Infineon in 1999 as President and Head of the Industrial Power Business Unit at eupec GmbH Co. KG, a subsidiary of Infineon. From that position, Dr. Ploss took over the Automotive and Industrial Business Division, followed by the development, production, and operational management of the Automotive, Industrial, and Multimarket Segment. In June 2007, he was appointed to the Executive Board of Infineon for the Manufacturing Division. Later, he also became Labor Director and took over the Research and Development Department. He studied process engineering at the Technical University of Munich and received his doctorate in 1986.

NYC: International Value Chains in an Age of Protectionism: Productivity, Employment, and Spillover Effects
2018-03-12 12:00 - 14:00
The American Council on Germany, vbw – the Bavarian Industry Association, and bayme vbm – the Bavarian Employers’ Associations for the Metalworking and Electrical Industries, will host a discussion and luncheon with Professor Dr. Michael Hüther, Director of the German Institute, with remarks also by Bertram Brossardt, CEO of bayme vbm and Executive Vice President and CEO of vbw.
There is no charge for this event. RSVPs are required.
RSVP (acceptances only) to the American Council on Germany
at 212-826-3636 or events@acgusa.org.
Professor Dr. Michael Hüther is a German economist who has been the Director of the German Economic Institute since July 2004. Since August 2001, Dr. Hüther has also been an Honorary Professor at the European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel. In the academic year 2016-17, he was Gerda Henkel Adjunct Professor in the Department of German Studies at Stanford University. In 1999, he joined DekaBank as Chief Economist and, starting in 2001, additionally served as Division Manager of economics and communication. In 1995, he was appointed Secretary General of the German Council of Economic Advisers. Upon completion of his Doctorate in Economics, in 1991, Dr. Hüther became a member of the research staff of the Council of Experts for the Evaluation of Macroeconomic Development. From 1982 to 1987, he studied economics as well as medieval and modern history at the Justus-Liebig University in Gießen. Dr. Hüther and his team carry out research on pressing issues including the eurozone’s future governance design, digitalization, German Ordnungspolitik, the past economic crisis, and capital market supervision. He is a member of the Board of Atlantik-Brücke. He was awarded the German Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz).

Atlanta: Germany, the EU, and the United States - Building Bridges in Uncertain Times
2018-03-14 17:30 - 19:30
The Atlanta Warburg Chapter, the Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT), and the GACC – South will host a discussion and reception with Dr. Stefan Mair, Executive Board Member of the Federation of German Industries (BDI).
There will be no charge to attend this event.
RSVP here by March 11.

Dr. Stefan Mair was born in Munich in 1963. He is married with two children. Dr. Stefan Mair studied Political Sciences, Economics and Sociology at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. From 1989 to 1991 he held a scholarship from the ifo-Institute for Economic Research. He was subsequently awarded his doctorate in Political Sciences by the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich. In the following years he worked as an advisor on Africa at the Foundation for Science and Politics (SWP), becoming head of the research group Africa and Middle East at the SWP in 1997. From 2002 to 2010 he was a member of the management of the SWP and from 2007 to 2009 he also held the post of director of research. In 2010 Dr. Stefan Mair moved from the SWP to the Federation of German Industries (BDI). From May to October he was head of the Department of International Markets. Since November 2010 he has been a member of the Executive Board of the BDI.

NYC: Role of Women in Germany
2018-03-16 08:30 - 10:00
The American Council on Germany and the German Consul General David Gill will host a breakfast briefing with Elke Ferner, State Secretary for the German Federal Ministry for Families, Seniors, Women and Youth.
This discussion is invitation only.

Philadelphia: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People
2018-03-19 12:00 - 13:30
The Philadelphia Warburg Chapter and the German American Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here or to Lauren Konyves ( LKonyves@mmwr.com or 215-772-7257 ) by March 18.

Dr. Christine Benz, initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her current role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.

Cleveland: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People
2018-03-20 12:00 - 13:00
The Cleveland Warburg Chapter and Cleveland Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here by March 20.
Dr. Christine Benz, initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her current role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.

Pittsburgh: Germany and the United States: An Indispensable Relationship?
2018-03-20 17:30 - 19:00
The Pittsburgh Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and reception with Ambassador John B. Emerson, Chairman of the Board of the American Council on Germany and Vice Chairman at Capital Group International.
There will be no charge for members to attend and a $15 charge for nonmembers. RSVP here by March 19.
Ambassador John B. Emerson was named Chairman of the American Council on Germany on January 17, 2018. He is Vice Chairman at Capital Group International. Previously, he was U.S. Ambassador to Germany, from 2013 to 2017. Serving at a particularly challenging time, in 2015 Ambassador Emerson was awarded the State Department’s prestigious Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service, which is given annually to a non-career Ambassador who has used private-sector leadership and management skills to make a significant impact on bilateral or multilateral relations through proactive diplomacy. Upon his departure from the post, he was also awarded the highest civilian awards given by the Navy and the CIA, respectively.
Before going to Berlin, he was the President of Capital Group Private Client Services from 1997 to July 2013. Previously, he served on President Clinton’s senior staff, from 1993 to 1997, as Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, and subsequently as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Ambassador Emerson also coordinated the Economic Conference of the Clinton-Gore transition team and led the Administration’s efforts to obtain congressional approval of the GATT Uruguay Round Agreement in 1994, and the extension of China’s Most-Favored-Nation trading status in 1996. In 2010, President Obama appointed Ambassador Emerson to serve on the President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

Earlier in his career, Ambassador Emerson served as the Los Angeles Chief Deputy City Attorney (1987-1993). In 1988, he traveled to Germany on an ACG Political Exchange Fellowship, carried out in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Before that, he was a Partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, specializing in business and entertainment litigation and administrative law. Active on a number of civic and charitable Boards, Ambassador Emerson graduated from Hamilton College (AB, 1975) and University of Chicago (JD, 1978). He is married to human rights activist Kimberly Marteau Emerson. The Emersons have three daughters.

Charlotte: From Checkbook Diplomacy to Global Crisis Management: The Evolution of German Foreign Policy
2018-03-21 11:30 - 13:30
The Charlotte Warburg Chapter will host a discussion and luncheon with Conrad Haessler, Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations.
There will be a $25 charge for members and nonmembers to attend this event.
RSVP here no later than Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Conrad Haessler has been serving as the spokesperson of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations since July 2015. Prior to his current position, Mr. Haessler was part of the foreign policy team at the German Chancellery, working on dossiers such as the Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Union as well as French-German bilateral relations. On his first diplomatic assignment abroad, he was in charge of cultural affairs at the German embassy in Beijing / China. Mr. Haessler holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University as well as a M.A. in European Politics from Lund University (Sweden).

Indianapolis: The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People
2018-03-21 12:00 - 13:30
The Indianapolis Warburg Chapter, the IUPUI Max Kade German-American Center, Department of World Languages and Cultures, Department of History, and Global and International Studies Program, Lutheran Child and Family Services, and Index Corporation will host a discussion and luncheon with Christine Benz, DBA, Training Manager at TRUMPF Inc.
There will be no charge to attend.
RSVP here by September 20.
Christine Benz, D.B.A., initiated and oversees TRUMPF Inc.’s successful registered apprenticeship program, and promotes dual education among businesses, educators, and legislators. She joined TRUMPF Inc. in May 2003, initially working as an engineer in the Laser Development Department, where she developed new laser designs. She then worked as a Manager of Project Engineering in the Customer Service group, where she managed large-scale automation projects. In her curent role as Training Manager, she is responsible for providing TRUMPF customers with the knowledge they need to operate high-technology equipment successfully as well as for the continuous training and development of TRUMPF employees. She also serves as a member of Central Connecticut State University’s Industrial Advisory Board. Dr. Benz earned a B.S. in Micro- and Precision Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, an M.S. in Technology Management at Central Connecticut State University, and a D.B.A. in Organizational Leadership at North Central University.
Abstract: The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy. The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.
This program was made possible by a generous grant through the European Recovery Program – Transatlantic Encounters.
