Good afternoon and welcome to the Atlantic Council. Thank you for joining us. I am the present ceo of the council. Madam, high representative, a sellout crowd. They are bursting out the doors and i think this underscores ath the recognition we face historic moment in history for europe and the transatlantic relationship, long before the november elections, and that whate are eager to hear report youve given us from your trip thus far and also answer their questions and my questions as moderator on broader issues in the transatlantic relationship which we, of course believe is the cornerstone for all u. S. Engagement with the world. We would like to think of ourselves as the home for europe and washington, d. C. And thus i am honored to welcome a high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and to ready policy and Vice President of the european commission, madame high representative, thank you for coming to your home away from europe. We had a fascinating discussion last month at the World Economic forum and it was apparent to everybody at that time that we are facing a particularly important time. We are very interested to hear your comments and enter into discussion with you. I am pleased to welcome ambassador Christian Silverberg who will formally introduce our european guests. Ambassador silverberg manages the institute of international finance. As a former u. S. Ambassador to the European Union under george w. Bush, she brings special perspective to this dialogue. Without further review it is a great honor to be here at the Atlantic Council to the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs on Security Policy and Vice President of the european commission. She is mentioned, visiting washington at a time of some come up and anxiety about the future of the transatlantic relationship. In the circles we run in it will be challenging for even the most ist toined transatlantic prevent our societies from overwhelming power aspirations but i think our values will prove durable if we can demonstrate to skeptical voters on both sides of the atlantic we can address challenges together. The threat of terrorism, the catastrophe in syria, the risks pathwayn will pursue a to a nuclear weapon. I addresses these ness and we are fortunate to hear from her. The floor is yours. [applause] that is a lot of people. It is a lot of people and not a few cameras. I need not say we are on the record. I representative, you said your mission for this trip was to identify Common Ground. Heard comments from the administration and during the questions at times the existence of the European Union but we at the Atlantic Council have heard the opposite as well in our dealings with people within the administration. After your meetings and washington, d. C. Over the last and an impressive seven senators and secretary of state Rex Tillerson and National Security advisor mike flynn and others, which i think underscores the importance of the leaders of the administration but i wasnt in the meeting. It would be interesting for us to hear what your takeaways were, what did you hear about that was reassuring, are you returning to europe changed in any of these views . I would love to hear your trip report. First of all, thank you for the invitation. I was afraid you were going to say my home away from home and i was confused if my home is now rome or brussels. But indeed for me it is home. I was remembering the first time i can to the council. It was as a member of the Italian Parliament in the assembly and this was already, that then, my home away from europe so it is great to be here. Thanks to all of you for coming. With a sudden dose of optimism so i dont have to change my mind on that. I said i was coming, first of all, to show that on the european side there is a strong and deep belief in the fact that across the atlantic we are friends. Our peoples are friends. Do a lot of things together, from trade and investment to foreign policy. And also to reach out at an early stage with the new administration. And also with congress. That is why so many meetings on the hill, because it seems to me that in those moments we need to talk from our european side to the difference in the u. S. I come back from this trip with a positive impression. They world good, very good. I dont know what the next meeting will be about, so what i am receiving is a message is first of great attention from my toerlocutors in washington the work of the European Union and a clear message we want to continue working together. This is the same message i am bringing here, so all good. Host the one name i failed to mention enlisting your meetings was jared kushner, the special advisor to the president. He is taking on quite a bit of responsibility for the middle east. I dont expect you to reveal private conversations but in these meetings to give you a feeling of what priorities would be for the administration or the individuals who you talk to in the administration . One of the purposes of these were also, from my side, to make clear which priorities we having europe. Tot was, i think, important do at an early stage because it seems to me that policies in washington in this moment are still in the making. And that we have a space for defining together at an early stage in a very pragmatic manner in which field we have common interests or priorities. Fields wech other might have a different approach, different priorities. Something can be very important for us and less important here or on some issues where we might disagree. I have the impression that before i said all good, meaning our meetings were good and all mieses all messages were good. But i would not pretend we do not have different views on some issues. So what i can tell you is where european priorities are and where Common Ground can be found and maybe where we have different approaches. I see Common Ground in the strong intention to Work Together. If i have to believe in all the messages i heard during my meetings that is clear to me. Stronged cooperation, euu. S. Cooperation and work. Understanding well, i think, i ii come attributed contributed to this understanding in these two days, that European Union is not an institution, it is 28 Member States. Second, some Common Ground on some of our priorities that are common priorities. ,he fight against terrorists the ambassador mentioned this. Solving the crises we have around us and globally. The situation in the east of ukraine, syria, terrorism, not only the middle east but also spreading spreading in some parts of africa. We have for sure work that 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 to face the middle east process. We share the priorities and might have differences on how we face them. And i cai am very open and not hiding any of the difficulties. Whereht have other issues we see, as europeans, we need to issue as a priority but. Aybe here, not so much climate change, free trade, free and fair trade and an International Global system of trade. Maybe human rights issues. But it is not for me to define the american agenda that i understand is still in the making. What i can do is to bring the european agenda, put it on the table and in a very pragmatic, constructive, friendly, maybe transactional approach, see where we can Work Together where we might have differences and how we make the most out of this partnership. Among the things on which we might have different views is the global approach to migration and refugees. And the list could continue but i see Common Ground, common work and i understand that many policies are still in the making. I forgot to them i forgot to mention one very important thing on which i found some Common Ground, which is the new weird cpoa. With iran, g to me that is a priority preserve the deal, have a strong u. S. Commitment to its full of limitation which means strict and limitation is either in place or not. And i come back with some reassurances on this. Host i saw you tweet that earlier. I also tweak and do it myself. Host so even more room for Common Ground. Even if i am considering starting to make my team check my tweets. [laughter]. Ost i wont comment maybe you can talk a little bit about the iran conversation. What did you hear that you found reassuring . Myi heard from all stockholders, the intention to make sure that the deal is 100 implemented. Parties, whichll means mainly iran on its Nuclear Commitments but also the International Community to fulfill the commitments that are agreed in the agreement, in the deal, and for me personally this is a very important thing to do because i still have special institutional role in chairing the joint commission that overviews the and limitation of the deal. That is not a bilateral deal. That is now belonging to the International Community. Through the u. S. Security Council Resolution that endorses it. For me to important pass the message that i think was clearly understood, that it is key for our security as we are in the same region of iran to see the deal implemented as it is now. One year after the implementation day we had four reports on its commitment to iran. This is important for europe. This is essential for europe. And there are other issues where we share concern with the u. S. Administration and many others in the world that are not related to the Nuclear Program of iran, also related to the nuclear agreement. The role of iran in some regional conflicts starting from , support ofia terrorist activities, the missile tests and things like that. They would add human rights on that penalty. I know this is a different story here but it is important for us. As europeans we have our sanctions in place for nonnuclear related issues. In some cases our sanctions are tougher than the american ones. So we also are concerned about some of the things expressed. But what is clear to us as europeans, altogether and what i also conveyed here in my feels anis that europe interest and a responsibility to engage with iran, especially as long as the nuclear deal is fully implement it on their side. We would continue to engage in dialogue, inical the corporations we had started. This is the european policy and it will continue. We have onesided and fermentation one side of implementation to speak to that. , nonnuclearoncern iran and whereon we have different policies on the previous administration, the case with iran is one of engagement. That can continue and i think it is very important that iranian citizens here this. Host thank you for that. On russia, we have heard different statements at different times from the administration and the president. The administration signaled the u. S. Sanctions against russia would remain in place. On the other hand, there seems to be a desire to significantly improve the relationship with russia. This, extent you can have tell us how this came up in your conversations and where do you see potential commonalities and differences on the issue of russia in particular . Weird if i can just have a reflection, thinking aloud the first time i came to washington and rather being questioned on the eu positions on russia or syria, i was questioned about the u. S. Positions. Host could you please tell us what the position is . [laughter] im not sure i can. Some things i do im not sure if it is appropriate for me but that is interesting. That mye first time main focus of my visit to washington is bilateral relations rather than and this is the new era we are entering in. On russia, first of all, for europeans, its clear we have a twotrack policy with russia. There are five on which we work very well with russia. The iran deal is a perfect example of that. The middle east process is where palestine is on example where the europeans and russians work well together with similar views. The other issue where we work well together. This perception that europe doesnt talk to russia is a misperception and a couple of years ago we would have been asked if we were not talking to much to the russians so things change. We have a strong policy and principled policy when it comes to the ukraine. This is very serious to us. Not only for the situation in the east of ukraine itself and in crimea, but also because for us europeans its essential to understand each other, especially across the atlantic. On the basic vital principle that you do not change orders by force. This is a must for our cooperation. The transatlantic this has never been put into question. And i believe this is related not only the principles of International Law, which is, but also its matter of security for europe, and i believe that many of my european fellow citizens in the east of our continent are potentially a bit nervous about question marks that could be put here on this approach. Meetings were positive and in particular, we agreed minsks long as the agreements are not implemented sanctions would not remain in place. But i dont know if this is going to be the policy and as you were not in my meetings i was not in the oval office when President Trump called president clinton. But for us this is an essential point and i believe that this is not a Central Point not only for europeans but in congress this is an essential point as well. Host and if there is a thought of some sort in your relationships between u. S. And russia, which is a possibility even if sanctions should remain in place, do you foresee the eu resultswill have the and stay firm on sanctions under the current circumstances . I think the europeans will continue to be united on that. I dont know if americans will be united on that but europeans will. Us, the sanctions are not a policy itself. It is not something we take particular pleasure in having. For us it is an instrument to put pressure and achieve results. And the result is keeping the sanctions. , especiallyiscussed with secretary tillerson, how we can better help the current implementation of the minsk agreements. The real objective is to achieve peace in the ukraine with respect to International Law and also in crimea. So the european position is clear. I am confident it will continue because allin unity have that over the years that on europeans to divide themselves on this and i think this will continue to be the case, it can also have a lot for the u. S. I can say i was receiving reassuring messages but i dont know if there would be divisions in the u. S. On this. Host im going to ask one or two more questions and go to the audience. You have said the eu is ready for a transactional way of working the United States. Guess, at the Atlantic Council the notion of a transactional relationship of the transatlantic partners would seem a step backwards. So, would you think this is sufficient and what do you mean when you say transactional way . Guest i have a feeling this is a moment in history where we have to where were called to avoid giving it for granted, that people understand the add ed value of our friendship, which is said, i agree. I preferred to have the partnership, friendship based on this automatic with hat in the last years of turning to each other and agreeing things to do naturally. But if there is a need to need for our friendship to be in place the added value of the European Union to america, then we are ready to do so. Do awe are ready to to sick things that in the Atlantic Council are self evident that maybe we need to stress them again. One is the economic relation we have. 80 of Foreign Investments in the u. S. Come from europe, the European Union. 80 , not 18, 80. I think we are bringing a couple million more jobs in america with european investments. Many think you cannot find states in the United States that are not giving having 300,000400,000 jobs created in europe, from europe, in america. If this is a transactional way of doing things i dont know, but we need each other. And it is not europe that needs america only. It is america that need europe and we had better realize that, to have a serious conversation. The other thing is security. And even if europe the European Union is not nato and theo not and cannot make organizations overlap, there is a big elephant in the room. That is the investment in our common security. Started well, we before the november elections. Last summer, to work very seriously on strengthening the european trends within the European Union. And to me it was very strange because i spent months from july , november even, reassuring washington and the other side of brussels that this was not to undermine nato but as a strengthening force to nato. And now i am explaining it is good. This is going to be the european way. When i put this in the transactional box, you know that article five was invoked only once and that was after 9 11, and europeans have carried the commitmentour common to security in the world. Through nato but also through other means, the European Union is a security provider and also a hard power even if it is not perceived much here. 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 africa we are in the Mediterranean Sea dismantling the business of smugglers and traffickers of people come also saving lives. We are also a military power. If people are 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. I mentioned that to you in davos 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. We are proposing plans to 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. Without that, single states will continue investing in an inconsistent manner. Not just getting the nato target of 2 for all members but actually spending the money better. Via the e. U. Plans. One last question from me and then i will turn it over to the audience. You were talking about the u. S. Needing europe. The impression from here and 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 . What is the u. S. Contribution . What could the u. S. Contribution be at this point in this scenario . Ms. Mogherini for good or for bad. [laughter] could go both ways. No, lets look at a worstcase scenario, best case scenario. Ms. Mogherini the state of our union is strong and good. I recently said the European 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. We are going to celebrate the 16th year of the treaty of rome this month. 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. European about a existential crisis. Take brexit. Eight months after the 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. By the way come i take this chance to stress the fact that negotiations the u. K. Will be a member state for another couple of years minimum. This has to be taken into consideration because i chair three formations around the european council. E table, andound th 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. Not one single state can negotiate bilateral treaties with other states. 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 Goods and the second in gdp theres a bit of discussion which one is the first, but i leave it to you. And the u. S. Contribution worstcase and best case . Ms. Mogherini i only have one case. We will not accept the other. No interference. We do not interfere on u. S. The 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, great people Strong Institution, strong people, great people. Anys not for me or for other people to comment. 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 is quite enough here to do. 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 weight would go forward with that, let europe go forward the way it would go forward . You dont really need american interference and help . Ms. Mogherini im seeing messages 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. We build our freedom, our 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. In thecy is always making. Never perfect. 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. For me and for us all, this can continue and it would be perfectly happy. As i hear sometimes voices saying the European Union is not necessarily a good idea, inviting this man to what we build anded to that has brought us not only strength. Domestic 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 whether in engaging your you had a 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. That is a good rule for any politician, i believe. It is for the United States to find their own way on how to manage migration. The european way we struggled quite a lot to find a runway. Our own way. Because last year, the year before was quite painful. Being an 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. But finally, we got to a common approach that is based on partnerships and cooperation with countries of origin, working to dismantle the criminal organizations, saving lives at sea and in the desert, investing in local developments, protecting peoples human rights, respect for the dignity of human beings, whoever they 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. There is no way in which you can say that migration can be stopped. It has to be managed. Between the delusion of stopping the flow of people with walls and saying everybody can come, there is a reasonable, sensible, respectful way to manage rationally. This is the way the International Community agrees in new york when we decided together to establish global pacts for refugees. The history of europe is also such that we tend to be quite sensitive when it comes to wallace. Walls. It comes to we are committed to that. The partnership. The history of europe is also such that, you know, we tend to be quite sensitive when it comes to walls. In the symbolism of that is very strong. We tend to celebrate with the walls come down. And we are quite skeptical when it comes to the idea that walls can stop people are things. They close you in and circled area. Maybe that is because europe has always been a continent of emigration. How many italians do you know that have key roles here in the United States . , guess the mayor of new york the mayor of the city of the president. Giuliani to others. Greathave always been people. Coming from many different places. Europe does not have that tradition but we know what it means to move around because you are going out of place because of four or you are simply looking for a better place. Again, this does not mean no borders anybody can come at all, but it does mean there is a rational, humane way of managing this. I dont know for america, but europe, ifsure for we were to imagine tomorrow all migrants disappear from our country, our economies would collapse immediately. The cost of no migration for our communities would be big. Again, this does not mean it does not have to be managed. It has to be managed in a sustainable manner. But i guess we have a different approach. Say you are not to wrong, but to say we are doing it in a different manner. Thank you for that. We will turn to the ambassadors that you can achieve do so yourself. Also, since you are talking about italian americans, he is sitting next to our former board member. The two most dynamic places in washington are the Atlantic Council and cafe milano. [laughter] good to see you. Theow you just met with president and had a successful visit. When you spoke about common not mentionyou did security. I wanted to ask you whether during your meetings in washington you mentioned this and i know you just met with when related when issues. Also, i am happy to hear that you said borders should not change by force in your position. I hope that equally applies to my country. Ms. Mogherini the issue of energy security, which is an important issue for europe was not central to my talks here. Diversification of roads are part of our security. This doesnt mean that it will not be. I had an excellent opportunity on monday meeting with the president to restate our strong support to the south gas corridor. You areay, i think that hosting in the coming weeks the meeting where last year i was present together with our interlocutor here the United States i have an excellent to show our common support. Hello. Back to our region now. I have a question about justice reform, judiciary reform in albania. The u. S. And the United States have been invested really heavily in having this reform approved in the country but already there has been concerns expressed by both representatives about issues with implementing the reforms or sort of some efforts to deter the reforms. Are you concerned about this . How do you see the future of the organization . If possible, you talked about the plate full of opportunities between the United States and you to Work Together on international issues. With u. S. Adopting America First and its full plate, will be balkans get the short shrift . You know how important transatlantic cooperation has been for the region. Thank you. Gracias. Ms. Mogherini gracias, first on the judicial reform in albania, i had the honor to address the Albanian Parliament on the eve of the unanimous vote of judicial reform. I think that was really an historic step for the country. Obviously for us, now the same unity and determination is shown for implementation of reform. Im confident the country can find the strength to do that. I know how much albanians are important to this reform. This is the key to move forward on the European Union integration path for the country. That is an. That is an open path. That is an open path. I hope this can be done with a sense of Building 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. It is priority. Also because sometimes referred to this region as finding its way to europe, we do not realize it is europe. It is the heart of europe. For us in the European Union, cooperation and the fact that every single country moves toward the finally integration in the European Union is essential. Finally, the message i have here is that for that to happen need continuous engagement from the region and i see that engagement. Engagement. It continues to be a strong unionfrom the european side. You can count on me personally at all of the leadership in the European Union to make sure this continues happening and also a clear vision in washington to continue to be focused on the western balkans in a constructive manner and 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 we are almost at the end of time. Let me pick up one here and one here. Thank you. I represent when chancellor merkel congratulated President Trump, she offered cooperation on the basis values. Hearing your comments here today, i sense a more transactional approach. Is it fair to say theres a difference in degree or what would be the balance between values and transactional approach . And one up here. Go ahead. Who grabs microphones proactively is reworded. [chuckling] thank you for your leadership. Its reassuring to hear you say that 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 . In other words, sanctions that might have the same effect as the yield nuclearrelated sanctions . Are you confident that the deal will be able to navigate through this period over the next two or three months . Ms. Mogherini the most frequent question i get is if im concerned of something that theres plenty of reasons to be concerned. We are not living in easy times. What i can tell you is that the European Union, which means all europeans and me role, welly with my will monitor carefully and in a very strict manner the implementation of the deal in its entirety. From all sides. And that it is a clear european interest, shared interest to preserve the agreements and its implementation. I dont know if confidence and optimism is the keeper policy. It is the category of foreign policy. Maybe it is not. But i can tell you the determination we have to make sure the deal is preserved and strictly implemented by all and in all parts. And on the previous question, i can tell you one thing that is 100 clear. Distinction, not even different shadows in the european attitudes toward the United States. And i know that not because i read it somewhere but because one week ago, last friday, i was in malta for the summit with the governments of the European Union including theresa may that was just back from washington and shared with us her assessment of her visit. And shared this conversation with chancellor merkel, all of to theon our approach Transatlantic Partnership in the u. S. And so what i described, i dont like the word transactional too much. But i guess it was used here. I would talk about a pragmatic approach. That is based on values, our values that we assume our common values. But again, we are in a moment where we can state what we have felt. Theyll use and european interests, with a sense of friendship but also with a clear sense of priorities when it comes to making clear that some European Values and interests are not under discussion. So, a friendship does not change. Otherwise i would not be here. And i would not be looking forward to welcoming the Vice President 10 days from now in brussels for his official visit to the e. U. Institutions. Cooperation on the basis of our values and interests but also with clear ideas on what cannot be into doubt when it comes to some of our priorities. Thank you. We know you have to go now to a meeting. , poord ask is i thank you people to stay in their seat said that you can get to the meeting as expeditiously as possible. Let me just say a couple of things and closing. First of all, this is an important time for you to be in the United States. We hope you will come frequently. I will come next month. Thank you. Any time you come we would love to be of assistance. An important one. In my life, i am not sure the transatlantic relationship as late as important a role for the future as it does now. On behalf of the audience and everybody listening to is online and elsewhere, thank you so much for taking the time. Thank you very much for this very timely trip to the United States. Thank you [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] historyr cspan, where unfolds daily. Cspan was created as a public cablee by americas providers and is brought to you today by your cable or satellite provider. Canadian Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau was the latest leader to visit President Trump at the white house. ,rom the white house east room this is 20 minutes. You might want a handshake. President trump ok . [indiscernible] announcer ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States and the Prime Minister of canada. President trump thank you. Prime minister trudeau, on behalf of all americans, i thank