Lunch & Learn: Transatlantic Relations with the German Embassy

This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone. Registration deadline is Saturday, June 8!

As a major power in European affairs, Germany plays a critical role in steering the transatlantic relationship. Join Global Minnesota and the Germanic-American Institute to hear insights from Rainer Breul, head of the Political Department at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. He will join Irene Braam, Executive Director of the Bertelsmann Foundation, to discuss the U.S.-German relationship and its impact on the transatlantic political order.

Event Agenda
11:00 Doors Open, Networking
11:15 Lunch is served
11:30 Briefing begins followed by audience Q&A
12:30 Event Concludes

Tickets: $25; includes lunch and a beverage

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About the Speakers

Mr. Rainer Breul is Head of Political Affairs at the German Embassy. Prior to coming to Washington DC in July 2023, he worked in Berlin as Head of the Europe Division of the Office of the Federal President (2020-2023) and Deputy Spokesperson of the Federal Foreign Office (2017-2020). His previous postings include three years as Political Counsellor and Spokesperson of the German Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa (2014-2017), Political Advisor in the Office of Federal Foreign Minister (2011-2014), and Desk Officer for Europe and Global Affairs in the Policy Planning Staff of the Federal Foreign Office (2009-2011). He also worked as First Secretary at the German Permanent Representation to the European Union (2006-2009). Mr Breul holds a Masters Degree from the University Constance, Germany (Politics and Management) and studied international relations at IEP Aix-enProvence, France and the University of Warwick, UK. He spent a year as an exchange student in Cullman, Alabama (1996-1997) where he earned a High School Diploma. He is married and has three sons.

Irene Braam joined the Bertelsmann Foundation as executive director. Irene is an experienced lawyer and media expert, and worked for over ten years with the Bertelsmann company. She began as director of government relations of the Brussels Liaison Office in 2005 and became senior vice president of government relations in September 2011. Irene developed, among other things, a European platform for global discussion about the digital transformation of the media world. The series was held in Brussels, Berlin, Madrid and London. Not only did she represent and position Bertelsmann’s interests in the EU, she also promoted Bertelsmann in other cultural and social events in Brussels, such as UFA Film nights, previews of Fremantle Media’s productions, exhibitions and public panel discussions. After studying law at Maastricht University, the Dutch native began her professional career in 1998 in the music industry. Irene was head of international, legal and business affairs at Naïve Records in Paris, in charge of business development for Midbar Tech Ltd. in Tel Aviv, and served as both director of public policy and government affairs, and director of legal and business affairs at the Universal Music Group in London and Brussels.

Presented in partnership with the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Germanic-American Institute.