The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing global lock-down as governments try to slow the spread of the corona virus has tested individuals and institutions around the world. Since March of 2020, the ACG has stepped up its digital programming by hosting webinars and video discussions which bring together policy makers and thought leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss some of the key issues shaping transatlantic relations in an unprecedented time. In addition to organizing events on its own, the ACG has also partnered with other organizations such as 1014 and Atlantik-Brücke to launch new series designed to reach beyond the ACG community.
On February 2, the ACG, Carnegie Endowment, and German Embassy hosted a discussion on Germany’s foreign and defense policy changes and their impact on allies in the region and worldwide. Julia Ganter (Körber-Stiftung) and Jacob Poushter (Pew Research Centre) shared brief insights on German and U.S. public opinion based on the survey results of the annual report. A panel discussion followed with Ambassador Emily Haber, Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Dan Baer, and Sophia Besch, moderated by Dr. Steven Sokol.
The ACG regularly hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse. On January 30, the ACG hosted a Kaffeepause with Matthew Karnitschnig, Chief Europe Correspondent for Politico.
On January 26, the American Council on Germany and the French-American Foundation held a virtual discussion on the state of the Franco-German relationship with Ambassador Antje Leendertse, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations, and Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations.
The ACG regularly hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse. On January 23, 2023, the Council hosted a Kaffeepause with ACG Young Leader alum Sonja Gillert, Head of Audio for Welt.
On January 9, the ACG held its first weekly Kaffeepause for 2023 with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Andreas Kluth.