Transatlantic Partnership in a New Era is a one-day public event which – with the active participation of notable politicians, experts and journalist – aims to discuss the most urgent contemporary questions of conservative politics and policies with a perspective on Germany, the United States and Hungary. Our joint goal is not only to share experiences and policy matters, but also to strive for a connection between conservative decision-makers with a vision of future conservative governments in both Germany and the United States.
Program
9:00 am Registration & Coffee
10:15 am Opening Panel: Transatlantic Partnership in a New Era
Prof. Dr. Patrick J. Deneen
Balázs Orbán LL.M. MP
Dr. Matthias Rößler
Mechthilde Wittmann MP
Boris Kálnoky
11:00 am Antisemitism & Migration
Conservative forces respect the right to asylum, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but reject unregulated immigration and open borders. This policy reflects the growing criticism of "welcome culture", and a growing call for sustainable and socially acceptable regulations such as protecting external borders, limiting migration, and establishing a guiding internal culture.
The global rise of antisemitism presents a clear and present danger that not only affects the Judeo-Christian roots of our society, but also gravely reminds us of our historical obligations. It is vital to remember and learn from the past to maintain our vigilance.
Rod Dreher
Prof. Dr. Susanne Schröter
Dr. Zoltán Szalai
Mechthilde Wittmann MP
Nena Brockhaus
12:30 pm Lunch Break
2:00 pm Workfare Society & Economy
Solidarity in helping people to help themselves and empowering socially disadvantaged groups is the hallmark of conservative policymaking. Furthermore, it is paramount to enable broad sections of the population to participate in the workforce. It is the state's task to provide incentives for work and employment and to ensure equal opportunities.
The cornerstone of a successful economic strategy is a sustainable employment policy. The declared goal of conservative economic policy is to get as many people into employment as possible and realize Ludwig Erhard's guiding principle of "prosperity for all." A low tax and social security burden are key benchmarks of conservative policymaking. Following the principle "work must pay off," taxes on labor income must be socially acceptable and financially attractive.
Sohrab Ahmari
Tamás Bernáth
Prof. Dr. Michael Hüther
Dr. Calum T. M. Nicholson
3:30 pm Coffee Break
4:00 pm Societal & Academic Policies
Conservative forces agree that minority groups should not dominate the core aspects of policymaking, individuals are regarded as responsible and capable of self-determination, embodying the principle of personal responsibility. In addition, Conservative parties strongly reject the overzealous demands of identity policy viewing them as threats to individual freedom.
Academic freedom is something that, unfortunately, in our times cannot be taken for granted. Conservative forces should therefore resist the narrowing of spaces for debate, the imposition of guilt by association, and threats to academic freedom, which are increasingly being driven by left-wing and green ideologists.
Prof. Dr. Patrick J. Deneen
Prof. Dr. Frank Füredi
Prof. Dr. Peter Hoeres
Lukas Honemann
Dr. Habil. Sebastian Ostritsch
5:30 pm Coffee Break
6:00 pm Strategic Sovereignty & Connectivity in the Transatlantic Community
The diverse and increasing multitude of global crises not only pose a serious threat to European cohesion, but also lay the groundwork for a dangerous and undesirable formation of global blocs. This situation presents a significant challenge, particularly for conservative parties, which maintain political stability in many countries through policies deeply rooted in societal values. Despite the different—and certainly debatable—approaches and priorities in specific policy areas, the fundamental objectives of conservative parties largely align.
Strategic autonomy is a key factor for Hungary and most European states. A unified European response to external pressures that respects the sovereignty and economic prosperity of its member states is of outmost importance. Naturally, strong Transatlantic ties will and should remain a cornerstone of European foreign- and security policy, alas these should be based on mutual interests and partnerships and not on one-sided dependence. Only a strong Europe can be of real value on the long run for the United States.