GMF - The German Marshall Fund of the United States - Strengthening Transatlantic Cooperation

On December 2, 2012, The German Marshall Fund of the United States’ Transatlantic Leadership Initiatives Team capped off their biannual European Partners and Coordinators Meeting with a reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Madrid, Spain. The reception, celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) Program, brought together over fifty guests including Fellows, Coordinators, and friends of GMF, such as BBVA and others.

U.S. Ambassador Alan Solomont graciously welcomed guests to his residence on the historic Paseo de la Castellana before addressing the reception with congratulatory remarks on the Marshall Memorial Fellowship’s 30^th Anniversary, as well as encouraging the promotion and continuation of cultural exchanges and leadership programs like MMF. Kevin Cottrell, Director of Transatlantic Leadership Initiatives at the German Marshall Fund, accepted the congratulations and kind words before inviting two MMF alumni—both prominent members of the Spanish Parliament—to reflect on their time in the United States.

Juan Moscoso del Prado, MMF 2001, discussed his trip to the United States just prior to the events of September 11^th.  He reflected that his experiences in the US helped motivate him, three years after his fellowship, to seek election to the Spanish Parliament—where he has been serving on the Foreign Affairs Committee ever since.

Aitor Esteban, MMF 1996, then spoke of the highlights of his own MMF trip.  multitude of such as a dinner at the home of a South Carolina Judge, conversations with California border police, and ride-along police rides in Pittsburgh. Aitor reflected on the lifelong connections made both between Americans and Europeans, as well as the perhaps deeper connections made within his own European cohort. He underlined the importance of leadership development and continued sharing of best practices given the current financial crisis. As he finished sharing his thoughts and reflections, Aitor closed by stating that the Marshall Memorial Fellowship is “an ongoing adventure.”