Live to the Atlantic Council for a discussion about relations with the European Union. We will be hearing from the Vice President of the european commission, federica mogherini. To hear what eager report you can give us from your trip thus far and answer their questions and then my questions as moderator on broader issues in the Transatlantic Relations which we believe is the cornerstone for all u. S. Engagement in the world. We would like to think of ourselves as the home for europe and washington, d c im honored to welcome the high representative of the European Union and Vice President of the european commission, federica mogherini. Madame high representative, thank you for coming to your home away from europe. We had a fascinating discussion last month at the World Economic and it wasvos apparent to there that we are facing a particularly important time. The scum i am very interested to hear your comments and enter into discussion with you. Im also very pleased to welcome ambassador Kristin Silverberg who will introduce our european guest. She served as managing director of the institute of International Finance as the former u. S. Ambassador to the European Union under george w. , she brings a special insight to this important dialogue. The floor is yours. It is a great honor to be here at the Atlantic Council to introduce federica mogherini, the high representative of the European Union and Vice President of the european commission. Is visitingi washington at a time of some umult and anxiety. It will be challenging for even the most determined cist. Atlanti interestsour shared and values will prove durable, particularly if we can demonstrate to skeptical voters on both sides of the atlantic that we can can greatly address challenges together. The catastrophe in syria, the risks that iran will pursue a patient pathway to a Nuclear Weapon ms. Mogherini addresses these issues with great commitment and skill and purpose in her role with the European Union and we are fortunate to hear from her today. Floor is yours. [applause] ms. Mogherini that is a lot of people. A lot of people and if you cameras a few cameras. We are on the record. You said your mission for this trip was to identify Common Ground. Comments from the administration and during the of then, the questions existence of the European Union and weve heard quite the opposite as well in our dealings with people within the administration. After you are meeting in washington, d. C. Over the last senators,ith seven Rex Tillerson to mike flynn and others, which i think underscores the importance the leaders of this administration accord the relationship that i was not in the meetings. It would be interesting for us to hear what your takeaways were, what did you hear that was reassuring . Are you returning to europe changed in any of your views, more optimistic, less so . First of all, thank you for the invitation. It is really like being home and i was afraid you were going to say my home away from home this im confused if my home is rome or brussels. It is home and i was just remembering the first time i came to the Atlantic Council come i was a member of italian parliament. This was already my home away from europe. It is great to be here and thank you for having me here. Thank all of you for coming. A certain doseh of optimism already. I dont have to change my mind on that. I was coming to show that on the european side, there is a strong and deep belief in the fact that we are friends, our peoples are friends, they do a lot of things together from trade and investments to Foreign Policy and security work. With the new administration. And also with congress and that is why there are so many meetings. Talkis moment, we need to from our european side to the Different Actors in the u. S. Trip withk from this a positive impression. The meetings were all very good. I dont know what the next will be about, but the meetings were excellent what im receiving as attentione is great to the work of the European Union and a clear message throughout the country to continue working together. This is the same message im bringing here. So come all good. The one name i failed to mention in listening to your meetings was jared kushner. He has taken on quite a bit of responsibility for the middle east. I dont expect you to reveal confidences of private conversations, but did you get a feeling of what priorities would be for the ministration in the eu relationship . Of theherini one wasoses of these meetings to make clear what priorities we have in europe. Important in an early stage. Moment, we have space for fighting together at an early stage in a double medic forer diplomatic manner causes in which we have a common interest or priority. We might have a different approach with different priorities. Or come on some other issues, we might disagree. I wouldimpression not pretend we dont have different views on some issues. I can tell you where the european priorities are and where i see Common Ground can be found and where we have different approaches. Thee Common Ground in strong intention to Work Together. If i have to believe in all the messages ive heard, that is. Lear to me continued cooperation, strong u. S. Eu cooperation and work. Contributed understanding that the European Union is not an institution, it is 28 Member States. Ground on some of our priorities the fight against terrorism, solving the crises we have around us and globally, the situation in , terrorism not only in the middle east but also spreading into africa. We have worked we can do together there. We have on the european side Top Priorities where we might find some different views across the atlantic today. How we saved the middle east though we share the priority, we might have some differences on how we face them. And not hiding any of the difficulties. We might have some other issues where we see as europeans we need to put these issues as a priority and maybe here, not so much. Change and climate an International Global system of trade. ,aybe some human rights issues but its not for me to define the american agenda that is still in the making. I can bring the european agenda, put it on the table in a friendly,come open, maybe transactional approach, see where we can Work Together, where we might have differences and how we make the most out of this partnership. One of the things on which we might have different views mothers the global approach to migration and refugees. I see Common Ground. I see common work. Many policies are still in the making. I forgot to mention one thing on which i found Common Ground the nuclear deal with iran. For me, that was a priority and dealpriority to preserve a , have a strong u. S. Commitment. O its full implementation 100 . On this come i come back with e issues i saw you tweet that earlier. Even more room for Common Ground. [laughter] ms. Mogherini even if im considering making my team check my tweets before. Thiswant comments on [laughter] maybe you can talk about the iran conversation. What did you find reassuring . Fromogherini ive heard them the intention to make sure this deal is 100 implement it. This includes all parties, meaning mainly iran but also the International Community. Commitments in the agreement commit in the deal. As for me personally, this is a very important thing to do because i still have special institutional role in chairing the joint commission that oversees implementation of the deal. It is not a bilateral deal. It is now belonging to the International Community. As a european, it was important for me to deliver the message that it is key for our security as we are in the same region to see the deal implemented as it is now because one year after the implementation, they will have had for reports that four hadrts they will have four reports. Issues where we share concerns with the u. S. Administration and with many others in the world. That are not related to the Nuclear Program of iran, not related to the nuclear agreement. Conflictsregional from human to syria yemen to syria. The missile tests and things like that. A european come it is a really important point for human rights. Placehave sanctions in for nonnuclear related issues with iran. Our sanctions are tougher than the american ones in some ways. We are also concerned about some things what is clear to us as europeans altogether and what i conveyed here in my meetings, europe feels an interest and a responsibility to engage with iran, especially as long as the nuclear deal is fully implemented. We will continue to engage with dialogue and cooperations we have started. This is the european policy. I have a certain degree of commitment to speak to that. Where weoncern have different policies with european way has always been the case with iran. That will continue. Its important that iranian citizens hear this from europe. Thank you for that. , we have heard different statements and t different times from the ministration, most recently signaling the u. S. Actions against russia would remain in place. On the other hand, there seems to be a desire to significantly improve the relationship with russia. To the extent you can, how did this come up in your conversations and where do you see potential commonalities and differences on the issue of russia and ukraine . Weirdgherini its quite thats it i can just have a that rather than on the eutioned positions on russia, im being questioned about the u. S. Position. Can you please tell us what the u. S. Position is . [laughter] im not sure its it is ante for me interesting experience. Its also the first time that the main focus of my visit to washington is bilateral iran. Ons rather than , forssia, first of all haveeans, it is clear, we a policy with russia there are sites on which we work well with russia. The iran deal, the middle east , palestine is a great example where the europeans and russians worked well together. Work welles where we that this perception that russia doesnt talk to russia is a misperception. , we wereof years ago not talking too much. Things change in an interesting manner. Policy when itg comes to ukraine. This is very serious to us. Not only for the situation in the east of ukraine itself and in crimea, but also because to us, it is essential to understand each other, especially on the basic vital principle that you do not change orders by force. Borders by force. Been put into question. Is related not only to the principle of international law, but also a matter of security for europe. Myelieve that many of european fellow citizens in the are of our continent potentially a bit nervous about question marks that could be put on this approach here. My meetings were positive. That ascular, we agreed long as the agreements are not fully implemented, sanctions will remain in place. I dont know if this is going to u. S. Policy. I was not in the oval office when trump called president putin. For us, this is an essential point. I believe this is not only for europeans, i think in congress, this is an essential point as well. If there is a fall of some sort in relationships between , do you and russia foresee the eu members will have their result tuesday firm on sanctions under the current set of circumstances . Europeans will continue to be united on that. I dont know if americans will be united on that. Europeans will. I want to be clear on this. , the sanctions are not a policy itself. Its not something we take particular pleasure in having. For us, it is an instrument to put pressure and achieve the result. For us, the result is not keeping the sanctions. The result is resolving the conflict and ukraine. Discussed with secretary tillerson how we can better support, help with the implementation of the makes good agreements the agreements. To achieve peace in the east of us ukraine. The european position is clear on this. Im confident it will continue to be clear in the future. This will to do to be the case. Thats continue to be the case. I cannot answer for the u. S. I was receiving reassuring messages, but i dont know if there will be divisions in the u. S. On this. I hope not. I will ask one or two more questions and then go to the audience. You said the eu is ready for a transactional way of working the United States. At the lending council, the notion of a transactional relationship would seem a step backwards. The you think this is sufficient and what do you mean when you say transactional way . Ms. Mogherini i have a feeling that this is a moment in history where we have to we are to avoid taking it for granted. People understand the added value of our friendship. Have arred to Partnership Based on this had,atic reflex weve turning to each other and agreeing on things to do naturally. To come if there is the need the need for our friendship to be in place, the added value of the European Union to america from a we are ready to do so. I will mention a couple of very one is the economic relationship we have. 80 of Foreign Investment in the u. S. Comes from europe. Comes from the European Union. 80 . A couple million more jobs in america with european investments. States in find many the United States that are not 300,000400,000 created by europe and america. We need each other. It is not europe that needs america only. It is America Needs europe. We better recognize that to have a serious conversation. The other thing is security. Even if the European Union cannot make the organizations overlap, there is a big elephant in the room, the investment in our common security. Europe, last summer, we began strengthening the European Defense within the European Union. Topent months from july october, november reassuring washington and the other side of brussels that this was not to undermine nato but to strengthen nato. And now, im passing this other month explaining that it is good to strengthen nato and this will be the european way. Transactionalthe talks because you know article five was invoked only once and that was after 9 11. Europeans have carried a burden for our common commitment to security in the world. Through nato and also through other means. The European Union is a security provider and a hard power. We have 16 military missions in the world. We are training military forces in parts of africa where the terrorist threat is serious and present. We are operating in the warn of are in thee Mediterranean Sea dismantling the business of smugglers and traffickers of people come also saving lives. We are also a military power. Serious about the need to have european Member States investing not only more but also better on defense, this can be done with the support of the European Union. In davosed that to you in europe, we invest 50 of what is invested in america on defense. We are not working together at the economy of scale that is needed. Here comes the added value of the European Union. Toare proposing plans incentivize Member States of the European Union to Work Together in cooperation on developing capabilities, investing in research and innovation, strengthening their defense. This can happen with the support of the European Union. Willut that, single states continue investing in an inconsistent manner. Not just getting the nato target of 2 for all members but actually spending the money better. Eu. The one last question from me and then i will turn it over to the audience. You were talking about the u. S. Needing europe. Here andssion from also among many of my european friends there is that the eu is facing potentially existential challenges. You have brexit, you have challenges from the east and challenges from the south, political challenges and the elections this year, france, holland, germany and so on. How do you view the state of europe from that standpoint . How serious do you think these challenges are . Contribution . S. What could the u. S. Contribution be at this point in this scenario . Ms. Mogherini for good or for bad. Lets look at a worstcase scenario, best case scenario. Ms. Mogherini the state of our union is strong and good. The europeanid union and europe in general is a bit like a 16 years old beautiful girl that looks at herself in the mirror and finds herself ugly and life is awful and everything is going wrong. We are turning 16 this year. The u. S. Initiation used to tell us very often that europe should believe in itself as much as america believes in europe. We are much more powerful, much stronger than we sometimes perceive ourselves to be. Use begun about european next stencil crisis take brexit. After thehs referendum, the u. K. Had not even formally notified their willingness to start negotiations. For sure, the decision is taken, but they dont seem in a hurry to get out. I think this is telling a lot. I take thisome chance to stress the fact that the u. K. Will be a member state for another couple of years minimum. This has to be taken into sideration because i chair we will continue to be 28 around the table. I do not see others following. At the moment, i still have 28 Foreign Ministers to deal with. We still take decisions by consensus. Not because we are a prison but because Member States see this as their own interest, as long as you are a member state 20 trade agreements are negotiated by the European Union. Its important to state here this is continuing to be the case. In the transactional approach, theres also the trade part of the relevance of the European Union being the first market in the world come also for american the second in gdp and the u. S. Contribution worstcase and best case . Ms. Mogherini i only have one case. We will not accept the other. No interference. U. S. The interfere on mystic politics domestic politics. It is not for me to comment on that. Not on political decisions, not on decisions of the court. That is for the u. S. It is a great democracy, Strong Institution cost wrong people, strongeople institution, strong people, great people. The same goes with europe. No interference. By the way, we dont see elections as a major challenge. Elections are part of our democratic life and europeans can make their own political decisions wisely. I have full confidence in the european democracy. I have the impression that there to do. E enough here maybe America First means that you have to deal with americans. That seems a bit of a minimalist approach if you think of americas role in the postworld war ii history of europe. You would be satisfied with that cannot let europe go forward the withould go forward that, let europe go forward the way it would go forward . Ms. Mogherini im seeing ,essages from time to time hearing rumors around or seating people around inviting europeans to one thing or the other, inviting them to one thing or the other, we have to make clear that there is a certain european pride. We are grateful to america. Im italian. It is clear. , ourild our freedom democracies together. But we are grown up. We are turning 60 this year it we are a global power. We are responsible for ourselves. I wish we could have a friendship that continues to be a natural friendship in which we can help each other strengthen our economies from our democracies our economies, our democracies. That is the best case scenario. That is clear. Weve never had such a strong and fruitful Transatlantic Partnership as weve had in this 2. 5 years ive been in office. All, this can us continue and it would be perfectly happy. As i hear sometimes voices saying the European Union is not necessarily a good idea, a ing this man to im with you. Ms. Mogherini if we can do much better than this, im only happy. Questions. I see one here and then here. Thank you, madam high representative im from the west asia council here in washington. My question has to do with had ar engaging your desk chance to discuss issues of migration and pluralism across the atlantic. Ms. Mogherini i would not it is not for me to comment on decisions taken here, especially in a moment where we see there is some institutional divergence. I do not comment on Court Decisions in my own country let alone here. It is for the United States to find their own way on how to manage migration. Way we struggled quite a lot to find a runway. Last year, the year before was quite painful. Italian, ive been struggling for years to have a common European Response to a challenge weve seen in the previous years as a national one. To a common we got approach that is based on partnerships and cooperation with countries of origin, working to dismantle the criminal organizations, saving ,ives at sea and in the desert ,nvesting in local developments protecting peoples human rights, respect for the dignity , whoever theys are, wherever they are and whatever background they have. This is the european way. We struggled to get there. Yes indeed. Is it still sometimes controversial within the European Public . Yes, it is. But this is the common policy we are putting in place. We are starting to get some results. Cane is no way in which you say that migration can be stopped. It has to be managed. Of stoppingdelusion the flow of people with walls and saying everybody can come, there is a reasonable, sensible, to manage way rationally. This is the way the International Community agrees in new york when we decided together to establish Global Compact sport refugees global pacts for refugees. The history of europe is also such that we tend to be quite sensitive when it comes to wallace. The symbolism of that is strong. Thats when it comes to walls. E are quite skeptical when it comes to the idea that walls can stop people or things. They close you in an encircled area. Maybe that is because europe has always been a consonant of immigration how many italians have key roles in the United States . Of new yorkmayor from giuliani to others americas always been great you have many people coming from many different places. Europe does not have that tradition. But we know what it means to move around. Out of the place because of war or your sibley looking for a better place. Or you are simply looking for a better place. There is a rational, humane way of managing this. That is quite an issue. Know for america, but for sure for europe, if we were to imagine that tomorrow all migrants disappear from our country, our economies would collapse immediately. Cost of migration would be big. This doesnt mean it doesnt have to be managed. It has to be managed in a sustainable manner. I guess we have a different approach. I raise this not to say you are wrong, but to say we are doing it in a different manner. Telling ofu were italians the two most dynamic places in washington are the antic council and the [laughter] good to see you. Whenou just met with you spoke about common priorities, you did not mention security. I wonder if your meetings in washington if you measure these issues. Bordersy to hear that should not be changed by force is your position. Ms. Mogherini the issue of energy security, which is an wasrtant issue for europe not central to my talks here. This doesnt mean that it will not be. I have an excellent opportunity on monday meeting with the president to restate our strong support for the south gas corridor. You are hosting in the coming where lasteeting year i showed our common support. On the european side, this will continue. I will bring you back to the region i have a question about Justice Reform in albania. The u. N. And United States have been invested heavily in having this reform approved in the country. Already, there have been concerns expressed by both representatives about issues with implementing the reforms or some a efforts to determine the reforms. Are you concerned about this and how do you see the future of implementation . You talked about the plateful of to Work Together on international issues. Adopting the stands of America First and this full plate, will balkans get the short shift . You know how important it is been for the region. Has been for the region. Ms. Mogherini on the judicial , i had thelbania honor to address the albanian on the eve of the unanimous vote of judicial reform. That was a historic step for the country. For us, what is important is that now the same unity and determination is shown for implementation of reform. Im confident the country can find the strength to do that. Areow how much albanians important to this reform. Forwardthe key to move on the European Union integration path for the country. That is an. There is an open door. That is an open path. It has build a sense of national unity. When it comes to the interests of citizens, it is a must. On the western balkans, this was part of many discussions in washington to pass the message that for us in the European Union, the work with the western balkans is key. Sometimes we refer to this region as finding its way to europe it is the heart of europe. ,or us in the European Union the Regional Cooperation and the fact that every single country and integration is essential. For that to happen, we have to and i seengagements that engagement. It continues to be a strong focus from the European Union side. You can count on me personally and all the leadership in the European Union to make sure this continues happening. And a clear vision in washington to continue to be focused on the western balkans. I hope the message was heard. Someone way in the back with your hand up. Ive been trying to catch people as i saw them. We are almost at the end of time. One here and one here. Thank you. When chancellor merkel congratulated President Trump, she offered cooperation on the basis of alleys. Values. Hearing your comments here today, i sense a more transactional approach. A it fair to say theres difference in degree or what would be the balance between values and transactional approach . And one up. And one up here. Thank you for your leadership. Its reassuring to hear you say you are confident in the implementation of the agreement. As we approach some key deadlines with sanctions waiver dates, are you concerned congress may initiate actions that iran may interpret to be violations of the jcpoa . That the dealent will be able to navigate through this period over the next two or three months . The most frequent question i get is if im concerned of something that theres plenty of reasons to be concerned. The European Union, which means , we will monitor carefully and in a very strict manner the implementation of the deal in its entirety. From all sides. That it is a clear european toerest, shared interest preserve the agreements and implementation. Confidence and the keeper policy. The determination we have to make sure the deal is preserved and strictly implemented by all can tell you one thing that is 100 clear. In the no distinction european attitudes toward the United States. That because one week ago , last friday, i was at a summit with all the governments of the , includingion theresa may. She shared with us her assessments of her visit. The 28th on our approach to the Transatlantic Partnership and the u. S. I dont like the word transactional too much. I would talk about a pragmatic approach. That is based on values, our that we assume our common values. We are in moments where we can europeanvalues and interests. With a sense of friendship but also with a clear sense of priorities when it comes to europeanear that some values and interests are not under discussion. Friendship doesnt change. Otherwise, i would not be here. And i would not be looking forward to welcoming the Vice President to brussels for his official visit to the eu institutions. Friendship, cooperation on the basis of our values and interests but also with clear be in doubtt cannot when it comes to some of our priorities. Thank you. We know you have to go now to another meeting. I would ask as i thank you for people to stay in their seats so that you can get to the meeting as expeditiously as possible. Let me say a couple of things in closing. First of all, this is an important time for you to be in the United States. We hope you will come for. Come frequently. Your voice is an important one. Not sureetime come on the Transatlantic Relationship has played as important a role for the future as it does now. Atbehalf of the audience and one listening to us online and elsewhere, thank you for taking the time. Thank you for this very timely trip to the United States. [applause] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2017] you will be able to find this discussion in our Library Video shortly. It will be at the top of the homepage on cspan. Org. The new secretary of education from devos was blocked entering a public school. This was captured on video. You do not represent everything anything they stand for. You should be so proud of yourself. Go back. Shame. Shame. Shame. One protester was arrested there after mr. Voss was able to enter that school she was able to gain entry, her predecessor said agree or disagree with her on any issue but lets all agree she needs to be in public schools. Please let her in. She is there to improve relations with a cuff confirmation battle, she issued a statement on this cools hard work. She vowed to strengthen public respects and said she peaceful protests. Also this morning, President Trump reversed a previous stance that he will be adhering to a one china policy