The Wroclaw Global Forum (WGF)
The flagship of the Council’s programming on Europe, the Forum brings more than 400 top US and European policy and business leaders to western Poland each June for discussions on advancing democracy, prosperity, and security, both regionally and around the globe. With the aim of building a forward thinking Europe and a strengthened transatlantic partnership, participants debate topics ranging from the role of NATO in the current security environment to the potential for a true transatlantic marketplace, and from a roadmap for European energy union to the changing role of Central Europe.
Past speakers include Admiral James Stavridis, US Senator John McCain, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, General James L. Jones, Jr., USMC (Ret.), Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides, former Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, EU Commissioner Stefan Fuele, and former US National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley.
Atlantic Council Freedom Awards
Also held in Wroclaw during the Forum, recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations that defend and advance the cause of freedom around the world. Past awardees include Belarusian activist Ales Byalyatski, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Czech politician Václav Havel, Polish politician Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai.
Geremek Lecture
The annual Bronisław Geremek Lecture series was launched in 2009 in partnership with the Government of Poland to honor one of the great heroes of the Solidarity movement in Poland—and as a reminder of the transatlantic community’s continued commitment to democratic change and completing Professor Geremek’s dream of “Europe Whole and Free.” In bringing together the most influential leaders in US and Polish foreign policy over the past three decades, the lecture series reinforces a vital message of our mutual commitment to freedom and a prosperous future for all.
Makins Lecture
Launched in 2005, this annual lecture series honors the memory of the Atlantic Council’s former president, Christopher Makins, by bringing together top European and American policymakers to discuss major challenges facing the Atlantic community. By providing a platform for discussion and by stimulating provocative discourse on the importance of the Atlantic alliance, we carry on the heritage and vision of this extraordinary Atlanticist. Previous transatlantic leaders who have delivered the Makins Lecture are Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, and Dr. Henry Kissinger.
Towards a Strategy for Europe’s East
In order to enhance the debate and further raise the profile of the EU’s Eastern Partnership and a strategy for Europe’s East in Washington and beyond, the Atlantic Council hosted a one-day conference in Washington, DC on a transatlantic strategy for Europe’s East. This effort built upon the success and impact of the Council’s “Toward a Europe Whole and Free” conference, a special tribute to NATO and the European Union on the anniversaries of their historic enlargements.
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to be notified about the Future Europe Initiative’s events, please email transatlantic@atlanticcouncil.org to be added to our list.