WHO: American University experts

WHAT: Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, will meet with American University students.

WHEN: March 29, 2016 – ongoing

WHERE: In-studio, on campus, via email or via telephone
Background: Prime Minister Mark Rutte will provide a brief address and engage in a dialogue with American University students. The conversation at AU is part of Prime Minister Rutte’s visit to the nation’s capital to attend the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit, an event that will bring together world leaders from more than 50 countries and four international organizations.

Mr. Rutte will discuss the Dutch priorities during its presidency of the European Union (EU) and the strong bilateral ties between the Netherlands and the United States founded on shared values and history. The Netherlands is a trading nation that blossomed from a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and that is rooted in strong beliefs of security, freedom and justice. As Chair of the European Council, the Netherlands aims to be a reliable and efficient mediator between the 28 EU Member States, the Council Commission and the European Parliament. Dutch priorities under its EU presidency include the issues of migration and international security; financial stability of the Eurozone; integration of the EU’s internal market; the EU’s role as a strong global player; and climate change.

Foreign Affairs, U.S. Foreign Policy, European Union

Bill Davies is associate professor in the department of Justice, Law and Criminology at American University’s School of Public Affairs. Prof. Davies studies the European Union legal system. Dr. Davies is the author of "Resisting the European Court of Justice: Germany's Confrontation with EU Law". He is the co-editor of "EU Law Stories: Critical and Contextual Histories of European Jurisprudence", a book that is forthcoming this year. Prof. Davies can discuss issues related to EU politics and law, the European Court of Justice, the history of European integration, British and German current affairs.

Prof. Davies says: "The next three months of the Council Presidency, when the Dutch will hand over to the Slovaks in July, will be one of the most critical moments in the Union's history. The European Union is facing an unprecedented simultaneity of crises, with possible Brexit, mass migration, financial issues, threats to security and the relationship with Putin's Russia stretching the Union's capacity to respond. The Dutch, as historic supporters of integration and original members of the Union, will need to use all their diplomatic nous and resources to ensure their influence is at its most productive at this time.”

Michelle Egan is a Jean Monnet Professor in American University’s School of International Service and Global Europe Fellow at the Wilson Center, a non-partisan think-tank in Washington, DC. She is the author of the award-winning book Single Markets: Economic Integration in Europe and the United States as well as other books and articles covering European integration, ASEAN, transatlantic relations, and trade politics. Egan is the past Chair of the European Union Studies Association (EUSA) the largest EU studies association that brings together academics and policymakers. Egan is currently writing a book that focuses on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the trade agreement currently under negotiation between the U.S. and the European Union. She is available to comment on issues that include European foreign policy, EU affairs, British politics, trade, and transatlantic relations. 

Prof. Egan says: “In June, British citizens will decide whether or not the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. But while the so-called “Brexit” referendum has captured the world’s attention, another, earlier, vote may have an equally dramatic impact. On April 6, voters in the Netherlands will cast their ballots on a citizens’ initiative that could block a controversial association agreement between the EU and Ukraine. The Dutch parliament has already ratified the treaty, which is strongly opposed by Russia.”

James Goldgeier, dean of the School of International Service, served on the National Security Council Staff and at the State Department during the Clinton administration. Goldgeier's areas of expertise include U.S. national security policy, U.S.-Europe-Russia relations, and NATO.

Prof. Goldgeier says: "The number of issues facing Europe today -- terrorism, refugees, the ongoing Euro crisis, the looming referendum in the United Kingdom, and Russia's continued occupation of Ukraine -- have extraordinary implications for the future of Europe and, hence, the Transatlantic partnership. Mr. Rutte's visit to the School of International Service could not be more timely."

Constance Morella is Ambassador in Residence at American University’s School of Public Affairs.
She served as U.S. ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris from 2003 to 2007. Amb. Morella represented Maryland’s 8th district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 2003. While in Congress, Morella successfully initiated legislation addressing domestic violence and child support, as well as programs for the elderly, environmental protection, health care reform, and human rights issues.

Michael Schroeder, professor at American University’s School of International Service, is director of the school’s Global Governance, Politics, and Security Master’s Program. His research focuses on political leadership and global governance and international organizations. Schroeder is currently working on a book investigating why some executive heads of international organizations are viewed as more successful leaders than others and the strategies these leaders employ to help their organization adapt to changes in world politics.

James Thurber is distinguished professor of government and founder and director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University. In 2015, Thurber facilitated an agreement between American University and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to advise on research that impacts lobbying, ethics and corruption around the world. He was the principal investigator of a four-year study of lobbying and ethics for the Committee for Economic Development and is working with The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD-Paris) on international lobbying and ethics reform. Thurber is author of numerous books, articles and chapters on Congress, congressional-presidential relations, congressional budgeting, congressional reform, interest groups and lobbying, congressional ethics, and campaigns and elections, and is a co-editor and author of the new book "American Gridlock."