A biannual meeting of the European Parliament and eight members of U.S. Congress is planned today through Sunday at the Hyatt Downtown.
U.S. Rep Cliff Stearns, as chairman of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue, arranged for the group to hold its biannual meeting in Jacksonville after the first was held in Europe.
“Among the issues for the TLD are transportation security and economic growth, and as an international transportation hub with its port and other facilities Jacksonville offers an ideal location for this meeting,” Stearns said in a news release. Stearns represents Florida’s 6th Congressional District.
“Other issues set for discussion are financial markets, agriculture, cybersecurity, data protection and counterterrorism,” he said.
The session includes 17 delegates representing the European Parliament and eight members of the U.S. Congress, including Rep. Corrine Brown, Rep. Ander Crenshaw and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.
The meeting begins today with a welcome by Stearns and Chairman Elmar Brok of Denmark.
Work sessions are planned Saturday and Sunday. Delegates will visit the Jacksonville port after the work session on transport security.
“As with previous dialogues, the TLD reasserts the importance of regular and open discussion on various political, social, economic and environmental challenges that affect the citizens of America and Europe,” said the release by Stearns.
Holland & Knight Partner George Gabel in Jacksonville serves on the event’s steering committee.
“The fact they are meeting here affirms the status we are reaching internationally,” he said.
According to the Stearns release, the session concludes with a Joint Statement signing and a media opportunity at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hyatt.