The German Marshall Fund welcomed Danish Minister for European Affairs Nicolai Wammen on July 10, 2012,  for a discussion on the Danish Presidency of the European Union.  Denmark held the Presidency in the first half of 2012, an extremely turbulent time for the EU with an unprecedented crisis of confidence, spawned by the economic turmoil of the Eurozone.  As such, the Danes took the reins of Europe with four major objectives in mind.  During their six-month presidency, the Danes focused on fostering a Europe that was together responsible, dynamic, green, and safe.  With those four objectives in mind, Minister Wammen analyzed the outcomes of the Danish Presidency as well as the importance of the continuing relationship between the European Union and the United States. Following the Minister’s remarks, audience members were given the opportunity to engage in a discussion regarding issues that had previously been addressed, or issues pertinent to the conversation.  Topics including a perceived divide between the north and south of Europe were brought up, inciting follow-up questions about the role of the IMF in Europe or the cooperation with NATO under the new Cypriot Presidency.  The conversation then switched to foreign policy where the Minister outlined his views on China and its impact on transatlantic relations.  The event culminated with a conversation about Turkey and its future role in the EU.