Embassy News

Distinguished Speaker Underlines Importance of Trans-Atlantic Partnerships

Mr. Bugajski at the Hungarian Institute for International Relations(Embassy photo by Attila Németh)

Mr. Janusz Bugajski, Director of the New European Democracies Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), was the third and final distinguished speaker in Ambassador Foley's Strategic Speaker Series.  During his January 28-29, 2008 visit to Budapest, Mr. Bugajski spoke to the Hungarian Institute for International Relations, conducted a question and answer session with Central European University students and members of the Atlantic Council, enjoyed a lively exchange of views at the Budapest Foreign Policy Club, and discussed the activities of CSIS at the International Center for Democratic Transition. 

A prolific author, speaker, and foreign policy analyst on American news shows, Mr. Bugajski was interviewed by dailies Népszabadság and Magyar Nemzet, and was featured on Duna TV's evening news.  His key message was that the U.S. and Europe continue to share vital common interests based on common values.  As they define their areas for joint action through the EU and NATO, both sides need to keep in mind that the vital trans-Atlantic partnership requires careful tending as new challenges to security and prosperity confront both America and Europe.  Some of these challenges include energy security, the future of Kosovo, the arc of instability from Israel-Palestine to Pakistan, and promoting democracy and rule of law in the countries on the periphery of NATO and the EU.  Bugajski remained optimistic that despite some differences on tactics, the fundamental importance of the trans-Atlantic link was understood on both sides of the Atlantic.