Events

Brussels, Belgium 

Organized by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, By Invitation only.

In the context of the strategic partnership between OCP Policy Center and the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Policy Center is a key partner for the Brussels Forum organized by GMF.

Brussels Forum is an annual high-level meeting of the most influential North American and European political, corporate, and intellectual leaders to address pressing challenges currently facing both sides of the Atlantic. Participants include heads of state, senior officials from the European Union institutions and the member states, U.S. Cabinet officials, Congressional representatives, Parliamentarians, academics, and media.

Last year, GMF's Brussels Forum strengthened its focus on action-oriented convening. With the introduction of an innovative new conference format, a diverse set of participants engaged in three days of dynamic debate and dialogue, searching for solutions to the problems that affect transatlantic societies.

A year on, old issues remain and new ones have emerged. Many are complex and require urgent, resolute, and multilateral action. Yet across the Atlantic, we face a decline in trust, both in domestic and international spheres. This basic lack of cooperation and communication severely threatens our ability to act.

Under the theme Revise, Rebuild, Reboot: Strategies for a Time of Distrust, GMF's Brussels Forum 2018 is designed to encourage policymakers and experts to work together to directly confront the challenging world we find ourselves in today. We aim to analyze the reasons for the breakdown of trust within and between societies and find new ways to build strong partnerships and networks that support our societies’ democratic ideals. How can we find effective solutions without trust as the foundation? And is there a way to rebuild the trust lost?

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SUMMIT

Brussels Forum’s Young Professionals Summit (YPS) is an annual flagship event hosted by The German Marshall Fund of the United States that connects the next generation of leaders with influential politicians, thinkers, journalists, and business representatives to discuss pressing policy challenges for the transatlantic community.

The Young Professionals Summit promotes debate between generations and builds networks among young leaders through highly interactive and small group sessions. YPS fosters dialogue, leadership training, and peer-to-peer learning through a tailor-made program for rising leaders as well as unique access to the larger Brussels Forum.

Brussels Forum website: http://brussels.gmfus.org/