Event Recap

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2020

LGBTI leaders speak out on COVID, US-Europe relations, and the fight for equality

By Larry Luxner

As the world marks Pride Month, three prominent out LGBTI European leaders discussed their countries’ fight against coronavirus, ongoing disagreements between Europe and the United States, and the continuing fight for LGBTI equality.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

In 2020, the global community navigated one of the most uncertain times in our history. In this moment of global disruption, we faced the triple threats of a coronavirus pandemic, a struggling international economy, and systemic societal injustice. Much work needs to be done to navigate these challenges, including an active campaign for a more equal and just society. Few leaders have been at the forefront of navigating these global challenges while overcoming the binds of inequality, particularly as part of the LGBTI community. In celebration of Pride Month, this #ACFrontPage featured three leaders whose critical contributions to society can serve as a roadmap for the transatlantic community.

On June 30, 2020, the Atlantic Council hosted a special discussion with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić of Serbia, and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar of Ireland on their response to the COVID-19 crisis, the state of the transatlantic relationship, their outlook on LGBTI equality, and the injustices seen around the world. This event also highlighted these leaders as pioneers for the LGBTI community.

An #ACFrontPage Event

Atlantic Council Front Page is our premier live ideas platform for global leaders to discuss the defining challenges of our time. #ACFrontPage is a high-level event series featuring top newsmakers across multiple digital platforms. Harnessing the convening power and expertise of the Council’s sixteen programs and centers, #ACFrontPage leverages the Council’s capabilities in social media, press, and digital outreach to spotlight the world’s most prominent leaders and the most compelling ideas across sectors and engage new audiences eager for nonpartisan and constructive solutions to current global challenges. This widely promoted program features the Council’s most important guests and content serving as the highlight of our programming.

Featuring

H.E. Xavier Bettel

Prime Minister of Luxembourg

H.E. Ana Brnabić

Prime Minister of Serbia

H.E. Leo Varadkar

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment of Ireland; Former Taoiseach of Ireland

Opening remarks by

Frederick Kempe
President and CEO
Atlantic Council

Moderated by

Damon Wilson
Executive Vice President
Atlantic Council

Closing remarks by

Vicente Garcia
Director of Events & Special Initiatives
Atlantic Council

Staff

Frederick Kempe

President and CEO

Europe & Eurasia German

Former staff

Damon Wilson

Former Executive Vice President

NATO Europe & Eurasia

Former staff

Vicente Garcia

Former Senior Director, Engagement and External Affairs

French Spanish