Center for the Study of Europe Hosts EU Ambassador to the UN
The Center for the Study of Europe, an affiliated regional center at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, hosted the Ambassador of the European Union to the United Nations, João Vale de Almeida, for a November 30, 2017 conversation on the EU and multilateralism in a volatile world. The conversation was moderated by Vivien Schmidt, Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the Pardee School.
Amb. Vale de Almeida is also the former EU Ambassador to the United States and Director General at European Commission. In Washington, he actively engaged in strengthening EU/U.S. relations and was critical to the launch of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations.
During the discussion, Amb. Vale de Almeida said in times of transition and disruption, a strong multilateral system, anchored by an effective and reformed United Nations, is more important than ever. He also expressed support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his agenda.
Amb. Vale de Almeida argued that after political earthquakes in 2016 Europe will be different, but has been stimulated by the challenges, has responded to exogenous threats and is in a much better place economically and politically than a year ago.
Finally, Amb. Vale de Almeida said that the field of international relations is about people and relationships, and that diplomacy is more important than ever in times of transition and disruption.