For the past several months, the United States and the European Union have been engaged in high-stakes trade talks. In July 2017, President Donald J. Trump agreed to hold off on a threat to impose tariffs on EU-made cars, and he said negotiations were to follow. What is the status of these negotations? And where do trade talks stand between Washington, D.C. and Brussels? Please join us for a special talk by the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, Gordon D. Sondland, who will discuss these questions and more. Sondland will begin the program with prepared remarks: “Transatlantic Ties: Tough Choices Ahead."

Sondland began his position in July 2018. Sondland is the founder and CEO of Provenance Hotels, a national owner and operator of full-service boutique lifestyle hotels. Oregon-based Provenance and its affiliates currently own or operate 19 hotels in 7 states and have another 6 hotels currently under development. Sondland’s public service includes positions on Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski’s transition team as well as service on the Commission for White House Fellowships, which he was appointed to by President George W. Bush. Governor Kulongoski asked Sondland to serve as a principal Republican liaison between Oregon and the White House, and during the following seven years, Sondland assisted successfully in securing federal funds for various urgent Oregon state needs. Sondland also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Portland Art Museum and was elected its chairperson in 2009, serving until 2011.

This program was canceled due to the government shutdown.