Russian lobbying has passed through different stages in its evolution since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1991-1993, the system dominated by state structures transformed into one dominated by private actors. When oil prices were low and the Russian economy was in transition, it was mostly about investment consulting and attracting financial support. Then in the mid- 1990s and mid-2000s, the “golden age” of private Russian lobbying arrived, with dozens of entities pursuing their interests abroad, fighting anti-dumping investigations and trying to lift trade barriers.

The European Union and Japan  have sealed a broad agreement on free trade in a deal they hailed as a sign of their joint efforts to promote an open economy.

The agreement was achieved after the two sides resolved thorny issues on tariffs on sensitive products such as Japanese automobiles and European wine and cheese. They will seek to reach a final agreement by the end of this year.

Strong action is needed now more than ever to tackle climate change, protect our environment and generate the long-term economic development that will grow the middle class and support a sustainable, clean growth economy.

1. Argentina: VACANT
2. Australia: VACANT
3. Brazil: P. Michael McKinley (Career)
4. Canada: NOMINATED Kelly Knight Craft (Political)
5. China: CONFIRMED Terry Brandstad (Political)
6. France: VACANT
7. Germany: VACANT
8. India: VACANT
9. Indonesia: Joseph R. Donovan Jr. (Career)
10. Italy: VACANT
11. Japan: NOMINATED William Hagerty IV (Political)
12. Republic of Korea: VACANT

Former Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and CEO Jamie McCourt was nominated on 22 June, 2017  by President Trump as United States Ambassador to Belgium. She will need to be confirmed by the Senate. In  2016, McCourt served as Presidential Trustee and California State Co-Chair for Trump victory. She then was on the Finance Transition Committee for then President Elect Donald Trump. She also personally contributed with some 400,000 USD for Trump’s election campaign fund. Her former husband Frank McCourt is now owner of the French Marseille Olympics football team.

Source: Pew Research Center's Global Survey 2017

Confidence in the US President to do the right things in world affairs

The agenda will pursue three aims: BUILDING RESILIENCE; IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY; ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

The G20 has set itself the task of increasing the stability and resilience of economies, and thus of the global economy as a whole. In order to achieve this aim, it must undertake measures in the following areas:

President Vladimir Putin took part in the Russia–USA Business Dialogue panel discussion. The event was held as part of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The US delegation at this year’s St Petersburg Forum was the largest ever (more than 300 people representing various US companies and businesses) Almost a quarter of all foreign companies registered with the forum came from the United States, 144 out of 511.

U.S. Participants

The Forum’s official programme was developed in collaboration with over 500 leading experts from Russia, Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia  including academic institutions, development organisations, and business community from all over the world.

Over 900 speakers and moderators took part in the Forum and covered a wide range of topics including socio-economic development, energy, transportation, the environment, healthcare, culture, tourism, education, and science.

1. Commission des Finances : Président Eric Woerth (LR), secondé par Joël Giraud (LREM)  rapporteur général du budget, chargé de présenter aux députés les lois de finances
2. Commission des Affaires Etrangères : Présidente Marielle de Sarnez (MoDem)
3. Commission du Développement Durable : Présidente Barbara Pompili (LREM)
4. Commission des Lois Constitutionnelles, de la Législation et de l’Administration Générale de la République : Présidente Yaël Braun-Pivet (LREM)