Secretary of State Clinton Engages
European Youth at the European Parliament

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton took time March 6from a full schedule of meetings with NATO and EU leaders to meet young professionals and interns working at the European Union, NATO, and Belgian organizations in a "town-hall" discussion. Pointing to the “huge enthusiasm, great excitement, and enormous goodwill in Europe” toward the new U.S. Administration, European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pöttering welcomed Secretary Clinton (photo at top), and called on the U.S. and Europe to work together on “the central challenges of our time, whether it be the defense of our common values, peace in the Middle East, climate change, energy security, or economic governance. "There is a huge practical agenda for us to develop together. We are keen to begin work immediately.” Secretary Clinton agreed. “The economic crisis and terrorism, climate change, and energy security, the threat of pandemic disease, human trafficking – there is so much that we have to seriously address,” she said. “But I am an optimist,” she continued, “and I am confident that we are up to the task. Every generation faces the challenges of its time. Some do better than others in responding. This is one of those moments in history where we don’t have a choice. We have to come together, and we have to put our best minds to work.” Over 400 people filled the hall, while others lined the walls, balconies and staircases. Hundreds more watched the live event in overflow spaces, on Parliament TV, and via webstreaming at U.S. embassies throughout Europe. She also met European Commission President Barroso (photo at bottom), EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and Czech Foreign Minister Karl Schwarzenberg for the EU Presidency.

March 6, 2009

Photos: Marijke Hendrickx and Freddy Moris