Loading Events
October 22, 2015, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

U.S. – Europe Relations: Trade & The Refugee Crisis Signature Luncheon

WOSU @ COSI

333 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Speaker: Klaas van der Tempel, Martijn Steger

We invite you to attend another one of our exciting luncheons where we’ll discuss relevant issues such as the controversial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the growing refugee crisis.

The U.S. and EU combine to represent 50% of the world’s GDP. Yet, no trade deal exists between them. Why? Diplomats from both sides of the Atlantic remain in negotiation on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The main goal of TTIP is to cut tariff and regulatory barriers to trade, the implications of which will impact business in America’s heartland. However, more than 2 million people in Europe have signed an online petition opposing the proposed agreement.

Additionally, U.S. and EU are currently facing the most significant refugee crisis of our generation currently stemming from Syria but with roots in Ukraine last year. The impact of the conflicts in these two countries have been felt throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Presenting Sponsors: Columbus 2020, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
A program of the World Affairs Councils of America in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.

Klaas van der Tempel

Consul General

The Netherlands

Klaas van der Tempel was trained as a diplomat in The Hague and he has served in posts in Sri Lanka, Canada, Yugoslavia, and Chile. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. van der Tempel worked as Counselor for Economic Affairs on trade policy issues in Washington, D.C. He subsequently served as Ambassador in Kazakhstan and Ambassador for the Eastern Partnership.

Martijn Steger

Director + Leader

Global Business PracticeKegler Brown Hill + Ritter

Martijn Steger serves as chair of Kegler Brown’s Global Business practice. He assists clients with global business law issues, intellectual property matters, and dispute resolution. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2008 and as an Ohio Super Lawyer by Law & Politics magazine since 2004.