On Friday, February 9th, 2024, European Studies welcomed Michael Georg Link, Deputy Chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) of the Federal Republic of Germany, who came from Germany to discuss bilateral relations with the United States and Germany. His knowledgeable talk extended to the broadest meaning of transatlantic relations, including the U.S. and European Union as a whole. Link was accompanied by Consul General Michael Ahrens of the German Federal Republic, Chicago office.
Nearly fifty UW-Madison students and faculty, including International Division Dean and Vice Provost Frances Vavrus and Institute for Regional and International Studies Director and Associate Dean Patrick Rumble, listened in rapt attention as Deputy Chairman Link shared his insights on the current, and possible future, paths of the transatlantic relationship. In addition to economic concerns, issues of global security, regional development and competition between the U.S. and China, and the war in Ukraine were at the forefront of his presentation. At the end of the lecture, participants had the opportunity to engage with and ask questions of Michael Link, who graciously provided time and counsel to all.
European Studies is honored to offer events such as these, which provide space for cross-cultural exchange to improve students’ global competencies and facilitate transatlantic knowledge-sharing for faculty. This event was made possible through support from the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for our Jean Monnet and CGES centers of excellence.
Photographs by Emmanuel Figueroa.