Druven, in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles and the Belwest Chamber of Commerce, presents an exclusive forum dedicated to the current state of transatlantic affairs.

The complexities of 2026 demand a level of strategic clarity that can only be achieved through direct exchange. This event serves as a critical platform for those shaping our economic and political landscapes to analyze current realities and identify a constructive path forward for the United States and the European Union.

This is a conversation not to be missed—join industry leaders and policymakers for an evening of insightful discussion and strategic connection.

Attendance by Invitation Only
If you wish to be part of this conversation, you may request an invitation.

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SPEAKERS 2026

Minna Laajava | Panelist

Consul General of FINLAND in Los Angeles

• Representing Finland across twelve Western US states, Consul General Laajava brings to the table a distinguished diplomatic career shaped by some of Europe’s most defining moments — including Finland’s historic NATO accession process.

•  A graduate of the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶 and the 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, Laajava has dedicated over two decades to advancing Finland’s foreign policy on the international stage. Her voice on EU-US relations and European security could not be more timely.

Adrien Frier | Panelist

Consul General of France in Los Angeles

• With extensive experience in international relations, strategic affairs, and counterterrorism, Mr. Adrien Frier has built a remarkable diplomatic career spanning over a decade at the highest levels of the French Foreign Affairs ministry.

• As Consul General of France in los Angeles since October 2024, he brings a wealth of diplomatic experience, a deep commitment to strengthening Franco-American relations, and a strategic vision shaped by years of public service at the highest levels of government.

Kristina A. Kvien | Panelist

President and ceo of the pacific council on international policy / former u.s. ambassador

• With over three decades as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador (ret.) Kvien has built a career at the intersection of European security, transatlantic relations, and frontline diplomacy — making her one of the most compelling voices on the EU-US relationship today.

• Her postings across Paris, Bangkok, London, Brussels, Moscow, and Manila — combined with her work as Director for European Union, Ukraine, and Belarus Affairs at the National Security Council in the Executive Office of the President — reflect a career dedicated to deepening U.S. relations with Europe. She retired from the Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor and now leads the Pacific Council on International Policy as its President and CEO.

Matthias Matthijs | Panelist

Senior Fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC / Dean Acheson Chair at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

• With extensive expertise in the political economy of European integration, economic crises, and transatlantic relations, Matthias Matthijs has built a remarkable academic and policy career at the highest levels of international scholarship and strategic thinking.

• He has written and edited books on British economic policymaking and the future of the euro, and has published widely in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Kal Raustiala | Moderator

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE AND INTERNATIONAL LAS AT UCLA / DIRECTOR OF THE UCLA BURKLE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

• With deep expertise in comparative and international law, Prof. Raustiala has built a remarkable academic career spanning some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, shaping the understanding of international relations and global governance.

• His recent biography of UN diplomat and civil rights advocate Ralph Bunche, The Absolutely Indispensable Man: Ralph Bunche, the United Natios, and the Fight to End Empire, published by Oxford University Press in 2023, won the Silver Medal from the Council on Foreign Relations Arthur Ross Book Awarad, cementing his voice as one of the most relevant in international law and global affairs today.

Moments of Influence