Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
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New Report Lays Out Strategy to Evaluate Evidence of Adverse Human Health Effects From Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals at Low Doses
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
A new report (https://www.nap.edu/catalog/24758/application-of-systematic-review-methods-in-an-overall-strategy-for-evaluating-low-dose-toxicity-from-endocrine-active-chemicals) by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine proposes a strategy that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should use to evaluate the evidence of adverse human health effects from low doses of exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system.
Endocrine active chemicals
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WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
A new report (https://www.nap.edu/catalog/24758/application-of-systematic-review-methods-in-an-overall-strategy-for-evaluating-low-dose-toxicity-from-endocrine-active-chemicals) by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine proposes a strategy that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should use to evaluate the evidence of adverse human health effects from low doses of exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system.
Endocrine active chemicals(EACs) or endocrine disruptors can cause a variation in normal hormone function. Even small alterations in hormone concentrations, particularly during embryonic development, can have lasting and significant effects. Some EACs have the potential to impact human health at lower doses than those used in traditional toxicity testing by the agency, which means that some effects may be missed.
The report's proposed strategy has three broad steps that can help evaluate evidence of impacts from low-dose chemical exposure:
* Surveillance- Surveillance can detect signals of possible health effects by actively monitoring new data, scientific literature, nontraditional information sources, and stakeholder input to ensure health effects are being identified and analyzed on a regular basis.
* Investigation and Analysis- To further investigate the signals, the agency should analyze existing data, generate new data to fill gaps, conduct a systematic review of evidence, or integrate evidence from human and animal studies. One or more of these options might be needed to answer questions about potential signals.
* Action- Possible actions the agency could take include updating chemical assessments, regularly monitoring for new data, requiring new data or models to reduce uncertainties, or updating toxicity-testing designs and practices. Additional considerations, such as the public health significance and available resources, would also factor into the decision making.
If the results of an investigation suggest that adverse outcomes in humans are expected or might be occurring at low levels of exposure from EACs, the conclusions of previous toxicity assessments might need to be updated to reflect the new evidence. Additionally, toxicity-testing practices might need to be updated as new data are generated. While EPA is already conducting many activities consistent with the strategy proposed in this report, its efforts may not be aimed specifically at evaluating low-dose toxicity testing, said the committee that conducted the study and wrote the report.
In addition to developing a strategy, the committee was also charged with conducting systematic reviews of animal and human toxicology data for two or more EACs to demonstrate how the results can be integrated and considered with other relevant data to draw conclusions about causal associations. The committee chose phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) for the reviews. These reviews follow protocols designed to screen and analyze the scientific literature to answer a specific research question. The committee also illustrated how to integrate human and animal data streams, determine whether the evidence supports a likely causal association, and evaluate the nature and relevance of the relationship between exposure and response.
"The systematic review examples demonstrate how these approaches could be used in a strategy to evaluate low-dose toxicity of EACs and also to identify lessons learned that could help EPA employ these methods successfully," said David Dorman, professor of toxicology at North Carolina State University and chair of the committee.
Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and are found in a wide variety of consumer products, including toys, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and building and construction materials. Human exposure to them is well-documented, as noted in a 2008 Academies report that called for a cumulative risk assessment of phthalates. The systematic reviews in this report examined the effects of phthalates on male reproductive-tract development in laboratory animals and humans. The reviews focused how the exposure impacted three areas: anogenital distance (AGD) - distance between anus and genitalia, fetal testosterone levels, and cases of hypospadias - malformation of the penis.
One example from the reviews showed that exposure of the fetus to diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) - a type of phthalate used as a plasticizer - is presumed to be a reproductive hazard to humans because it is associated with decreased AGD and testosterone levels in males. The evidence of an association between DEHP and hypospadias was not as strong.
In the second set of reviews, the committee examined the effects of PBDEs - used as flame retardants - on developmental neurotoxicity. Just like phthalates, PBDEs are also commonly found in the environment. The review of human studies evaluated the effects of PBDEs on intelligence and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For the animal studies, tests of learning or memory were considered to have the closest parallels to intelligence measured in human studies and attention tests for ADHD in humans. The committee concluded that there was sufficient evidence that shows PBDEs are a presumed hazard to humans with respect to effects on intelligence.
Both these cases show that current toxicity tests can identify a hazard that is presumed to be of concern to humans, but they may not be able to accurately predict the specific level of exposures at which humans are affected. Additional pharmacokinetic information - movement of chemicals within the body - is needed in order to better evaluate an EAC's potential to cause health effects in humans at low doses.
As recommended in the committee's proposed strategy, systematic reviews can be an important component in investigating evidence on low-dose adverse effects, and EPA can build on existing systematic reviews that are published in peer-reviewed literature. The committee also recommended performing meta-analyses of the animal and human evidence when appropriate. This statistical method allows data from several studies to be combined and should be used to evaluate confidence in the body of evidence and to characterize the relationship between exposure and response.
The study was sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln. For more information, visit http://national-academies.org. A roster follows.
THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE
Division on Earth and Life Studies
Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology
Committee on Endocrine-Related Low Dose Toxicity
David C. Dorman (chair)
Professor of Toxicology
College of Veterinary Medicine
North Carolina State University
Raleigh
Weihsueh Chiu
Professor
Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
Texas A&M University
College Station
Barbara F. Hales
Professor
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
McGill University
Montreal
Russ B. Hauser
Frederick Lee Hisaw Professor of Reproductive Physiology
Department of Environmental Health
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Boston
Kamin J. Johnson
Associate Toxicology Manager
Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology
The DOW Chemical Co.
Midland, Mich.
Karen A. Robinson
Associate Professor
Division of General Internal Medicine
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore
Andrew A. Rooney
Acting Director
Office of Health Assessment and Translation
National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Ruthann Rudel
Director of Research
Silent Spring Institute
Newton, Mass.
Sheela Sathyanarayana
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences,
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics, and
Attending Physician
Center for Health, Behavior, and Development
Seattle Children's Research Institute
Seattle
Susan L. Schantz
Professor of Toxicology
Beckman Institute
University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign
Katrina Waters
Deputy Director
Biological Sciences Division
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Richland, Wash.
STAFF
Susan N.J. Martel
Staff Officer
National Academies' Gulf Research Program and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award $10.8 Million to Build Healthy, Resilient Coastal Communities
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) today announced awards totaling $10.8 million to support four new projects in Louisiana and Alabama. All four projects are aimed at enhancing the science and practice of resilience in coastal communities located in the Gulf of Mexico region. The projects will increase understanding of community attributes that influence resilience and develop
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WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) today announced awards totaling $10.8 million to support four new projects in Louisiana and Alabama. All four projects are aimed at enhancing the science and practice of resilience in coastal communities located in the Gulf of Mexico region. The projects will increase understanding of community attributes that influence resilience and developtools and strategies communities can use to strengthen their resilience.
Gulf Coast communities are frequently challenged by a variety of unique environmental stressors stemming from climate change and both natural- and human-caused disasters. In recent years such events have included droughts, hurricanes, sinking coastal areas, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. While adverse events are a major challenge for any community, the degree to which communities effectively respond and recover can differ significantly.
"In creating this opportunity with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we sought to bring together researchers, practitioners, and community members to work on a less-studied area of community resilience: how various health, social, cultural, and economic factors interact to influence a community's ability to withstand adverse environmental challenges," said LeighAnne Olsen, director of strategic initiatives for the GRP. "The goal is to identify and develop practical things communities can do to enhance their ability to deal with future challenges."
"We are working with diverse Gulf communities to better understand their capacity to prepare for, withstand, and recover from acute and chronic adversity," said Brian Quinn, associate vice president of Research-Evaluation-Learning at RWJF. "For too many of us, our prospects for good health are limited by where we live. Whether it is vulnerability to environmental disasters or chronic poverty, we know that the confluence of the diverse factors that impact resilience are closely tied to health equity. Ultimately, we hope to uncover what nurtures resilience in our communities, which is essential to building a Culture of Health. We all benefit when we all have a fair shot to live the healthiest lives possible."
The four projects were selected after an external peer-review process. These awards are part of the portfolio of Gulf Research Program funding opportunities outlined at http://www.national-academies.org/gulf/grants. Listed in alphabetical order by project title, the awarded projects are:
Community and Family Resilience, Strength, and Well-being: Socio-cultural Influences on Cambodian and Laotian Refugee Communities' Responses to Environmental Challenges - $3,076,000
Project Director: Denise Lewis (University of Georgia)
Project Team Affiliations: University of Georgia in cooperation with Cambodian Association of Mobile and Lao Association of Mobile
Refugee and immigrant communities' histories and cultural differences present unique vulnerabilities and challenges for achieving community resilience in response to environmental stressors and disasters. This project will engage with Cambodian and Laotian families in coastal Alabama to determine how individual, family, and community-level strengths and vulnerabilities contribute to community health and well-being and how individuals utilize social networks and formal services to respond to stressors. Culturally responsive interventions and strategies for increasing community capacity and resilience will be developed.
Community Resilience Learning Collaborative and Research Network - $2,522,000
Project Director: Benjamin Springgate (Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans)
Project Team Affiliations: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans in cooperation with Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program; Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development; Community and Patient Partnered Research Network; Greater New Orleans Inc.; Healthy African Families II; Louisiana Community Health Outreach Network; Louisiana Department of Health; Resilient Baton Rouge; St. Anna's Episcopal Church; Tulane University; University of California - Los Angeles; and University of Southern California
The project aims to improve resilience and mental health outcomes in six communities in southern Louisiana that are vulnerable to poor health outcomes and the impacts of disasters. By establishing a community-partnered learning collaborative and research network, this project will build capacity to test and promote practices that can strengthen resilience. The project team will directly engage with communities within Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and coastal southern Louisiana, although the efforts and lessons are likely scalable to other Gulf States and beyond.
Housing Resilience in Greater New Orleans - $2,266,000
Project Director: Carlos Martin (Urban Institute)
Project Team Affiliations: Urban Institute in cooperation with Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Center; Texas A&M University; and University of California - Berkeley
Though homes provide a first line of defense for individuals against environmental stressors and disasters, little is understood about how housing shapes community resilience. This project plans to examine housing policy and practices that affect household vulnerability to disasters along with the quality and accessibility of related tools and resources households can use to reduce those vulnerabilities. The project will develop strategies for equitable housing programs, policies, and practices that can strengthen the resilience of whole communities. The focus will be on populations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change in the greater New Orleans area, but the information and tools developed are intended to help build household resilience throughout the Gulf region.
Inland from the Coast: A Multi-Scalar Approach to Regional Climate Change Responses - $2,936,000
Project Director: Jeff Carney (Louisiana State University Coastal Sustainability Studio)
Project Team Affiliations: Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge in cooperation with Louisiana Sea Grant and University of New Orleans
Risks from sea-level rise, land subsidence, and extreme weather are not limited to coastal areas but threaten entire inland-coastal regions. This project takes a multi-scalar, multi-disciplinary approach to river flood modeling, health and well-being research, and applied community design to improve flood recovery and long-term resilience across the greater Baton Rouge inland-coastal region. The team links university researchers with professional architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, policymakers, and community members to improve understanding of inland-coastal environmental conditions and vulnerabilities, determine indicators of community health and well-being, and develop design and planning best practices for reducing risk and increasing adaptive capacity. While the project is focused on helping the greater Baton Rouge region emerge more resilient from the devastating 2016 floods, the resulting framework will be applicable to inland-coastal regions across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
The GRP and RWJF jointly developed and funded this opportunity, with GRP contributing $5.8 million and RWJF contributing $5 million. GRP will administer the awards. For more information, visit http://www.nas.edu/gulf/grants.
For more than 40 years the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked to improve health and health care. The RWJF is working with others to build a national Culture of Health enabling everyone in America to live longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit http://www.rwjf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at http://www.rwjf.org/twitter or on Facebook at http://www.rwjf.org/facebook.
The Gulf Research Program, a program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, was established in 2013 as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and seeks to improve understanding of the interconnecting human, environmental, and energy systems of the Gulf of Mexico and other U.S. outer continental shelf areas. The program funds grants, fellowships, and other activities using three broad approaches: research and development, education and training, and environmental monitoring. For more information, visit http://www.nas.edu/gulf.
IMF Managing Director Lipton Issues Statement on His Visit to Mexico
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The International Monetary Fund issued the following statement:
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Mr. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), visited Mexico during July 16-18, 2017, at the invitation of the national authorities. While in Mexico City he had the opportunity to exchange views on the Mexican economy with a range of Governmental Officials--including Bank of Mexico Governor Agustin Carstens, Finance Secretary Jose Antonio Meade, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Luis Videgaray--as well as academics and representatives of the private sector.
At
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WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The International Monetary Fund issued the following statement:
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Mr. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), visited Mexico during July 16-18, 2017, at the invitation of the national authorities. While in Mexico City he had the opportunity to exchange views on the Mexican economy with a range of Governmental Officials--including Bank of Mexico Governor Agustin Carstens, Finance Secretary Jose Antonio Meade, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Luis Videgaray--as well as academics and representatives of the private sector.
Atthe conclusion of his visit to Mexico City, Mr. Lipton issued the following statement:
"I was pleased to be in Mexico and meet with Central Bank Governor Carstens, Secretaries Meade and Videgaray, and an array of other representatives from different sectors of the economy. The Mexican economy is facing important challenges and risks, including a temporary rise in inflation, uncertainty over the future of its trade relations, and increased global financial market volatility, among others.
"Despite these challenges, Mexico's economy continues to grow and show resilience. This is a testament to the country's fundamentals, prudent macroeconomic management, and a very strong policy framework, which underpins Mexico's qualification for a Flexible Credit Line Arrangement with the IMF. Mexico remains in a good position to manage risks and pressures emanating from the global economic and financial environment.
"While uncertainty over future trade relations with Mexico's largest trading partner has increased, the upcoming NAFTA negotiations offer an opportunity to update a 20-year old treaty in a way that would benefit Mexico and all the treaty's signatories.
"Going forward, perseverance with structural reforms will be critical to boost growth potential. For example, energy reform now underway will also allow for an increase in oil production over the next twenty years. More flexible labor markets, together with better enforcement of workers' rights and stronger tax compliance, will reduce incentives to remain in the informal sector."
"Further enhancing governance and transparency are key ingredients to improve business confidence, productivity and foster more inclusive growth in Mexico. I am heartened by the authorities' measures in this area, including the 2015 Constitutional reform that led to the creation of the National Anti-Corruption System. Completing implementation of the reforms remains an important part of the anti-corruption effort.
"I am encouraged by the determination of the Mexican authorities to address the challenges facing the Mexican economy. The IMF will continue to be Mexico's partner as it continues to work towards improving the outlook for a better and more prosperous future for its citizens."
IIC Finances Transmission Line to Connect Renewable Energy Projects in Uruguay
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The Inter-American Investment Corp., a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, issued the following news:
The Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC), the private sector arm of the IDB Group, signed a US$56 million senior A-loan and a US$25 million B-loan from BBVA to Difebal S.A, a special purpose vehicle fully owned by Terna, the largest transmission system operator in Europe.
The financing will build a transmission line between the cities of Melo and Tacuarembo in Uruguay, connecting projects that generate renewable energy for the country's electrical
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WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The Inter-American Investment Corp., a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, issued the following news:
The Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC), the private sector arm of the IDB Group, signed a US$56 million senior A-loan and a US$25 million B-loan from BBVA to Difebal S.A, a special purpose vehicle fully owned by Terna, the largest transmission system operator in Europe.
The financing will build a transmission line between the cities of Melo and Tacuarembo in Uruguay, connecting projects that generate renewable energy for the country's electricalgrid. The financing offers a tenor of 17 years and is key to ensuring the current and future reliability of the national electricity system in Uruguay.
This transaction highlights the importance of updated transmission for the promotion of renewable energy expansions in emerging markets and underscores the IIC's commitment to mitigating climate change.
About the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC)
The Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC), a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), is a multilateral development bank committed to supporting the private sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IIC finances sustainable enterprises and projects to achieve financial results that maximize social and environmental development for the region. With a current portfolio of US$11 billion under management and 350 clients in 21 countries, the IIC works across sectors to provide innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the evolving demands of its clients.
About Terna
Terna is one of the largest independent electricity transmission operators in Europe with more than 72,000 km. of high voltage lines. It is responsible for the transmission and management of electricity flows across Italy, maintaining a balance in energy supply and demand. Thanks to its focus on sustainability and its strong ESG actions, Terna is among the leading companies in the electricity sector included in the main sustainability indexes.
Free Workshop July 27 At Villanova Univ. To Help Small Businesses Get Tech Research Funds
PHILADELPHIA, July 18 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
Small, high-tech businesses interested in developing and commercializing energy, environmental and agricultural technologies can attend a free workshop at Villanova University on July 27 to learn how to win funds to hone their concepts.
The workshop will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Villanova Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Institute, 800 Lancaster Avenue, on the campus of Villanova University in Villanova, Pa.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is partnering with
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PHILADELPHIA, July 18 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
Small, high-tech businesses interested in developing and commercializing energy, environmental and agricultural technologies can attend a free workshop at Villanova University on July 27 to learn how to win funds to hone their concepts.
The workshop will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Villanova Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Institute, 800 Lancaster Avenue, on the campus of Villanova University in Villanova, Pa.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is partnering withthe U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center and Innovation Partnership to host the workshop to share information about the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs.
A small business is defined as a for-profit organization with no more than 500 employees. Through the SBIR program, EPA and 10 other federal agencies solicit applications from small businesses whose research is conducted in the United States.
EPA's solicitation for SBIR applicants will open later this summer. EPA awards up to up to $100,000 for six months of work on proposed technologies. Successful companies can then submit proposals for up to $300,00 to further develop and commercialize the technology. For more information, see EPA's SBIR website at https://www.epa.gov/sbir.
The workshop will emphasize the critical elements of the program, including writing winning proposals and sources of assistance. For additional information and/or to register go to http://bit.ly/sbir17. Space is limited, so register as early as possible.
EPA Administrator Pruitt Visits Utah to Kick-Off State Action Tour, Announce Decision to Revist Utah Regional Haze Plan
SALT LAKE CITY, July 18 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt began a multistate tour in Utah today where he held talks with state and local leaders regarding EPA issues that are important to Utah, including the agency's recent proposal to rescind the 2015 "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule--the first step in a comprehensive, two-step process to review and revise the definition of WOTUS. Administrator Pruitt also announced EPA's decision to revisit the 2016 denial of Utah's regional
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SALT LAKE CITY, July 18 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt began a multistate tour in Utah today where he held talks with state and local leaders regarding EPA issues that are important to Utah, including the agency's recent proposal to rescind the 2015 "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule--the first step in a comprehensive, two-step process to review and revise the definition of WOTUS. Administrator Pruitt also announced EPA's decision to revisit the 2016 denial of Utah's regionalhaze plan, to give the state an opportunity to replace the current federal plan with a state plan that better reflects local needs.
Administrator Pruitt began the day touring Bitner Ranch and Conservatory in Park City to see first-hand how a local Utah ranch would be affected by the 2015 WOTUS rule.
Administrator Pruitt then joined Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Attorney General Sean Reyes, Director of Utah's Department of Environmental Quality Alan Matheson, and other state officials at the state capitol for a meeting specifically focused on WOTUS and the importance of restoring cooperative federalism. Following that meeting, they hosted an additional roundtable with local stakeholders including those from Utah's water conservation, farming, mining, and energy sectors.
"EPA is committed to re-evaluating the definition of a 'Water of the United States' while respecting traditional state and local powers," said EPA Administrator Pruitt. "By working hand-in-hand with local leaders, we can help keep waters pollution-free, while also promoting economic growth and minimizing regulatory burdens for farmers, ranchers, and property owners."
This morning Administrator Pruitt joined Good Morning Utah on KTVX to discuss his visit to Utah and EPA's decision to re-evaluate WOTUS.
Click here (http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/epa-administrator-scott-pruitt-makes-first-tour-stop-in-salt-lake-city/768198761) to watch the video.
Democracy in Central & Eastern Europe Focus of Upcoming Helsinki Commission Briefing
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe issued the following news release:
The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following briefing:
DEMOCRACY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE:
RENEWING THE PROMISE OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Capitol Visitors Center
Room SVC-215
Live Webcast: http://www.facebook.com/HelsinkiCommission
In 1990, at a moment of historic transition, the countries of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe adopted a watershed
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WASHINGTON, July 18 -- The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe issued the following news release:
The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following briefing:
DEMOCRACY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE:
RENEWING THE PROMISE OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Capitol Visitors Center
Room SVC-215
Live Webcast: http://www.facebook.com/HelsinkiCommission
In 1990, at a moment of historic transition, the countries of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe adopted a watershedagreement recognizing the relationship between political pluralism and market economies. To advance both, they committed to fundamental principles regarding democracy, free elections, and the rule of law.
In recent years, however, concerns have emerged about the health of the democratic transition in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the face of ongoing governance challenges and persistent corruption.
At this briefing, speakers will examine the current state of democracy in Central and Eastern Europe and analyze efforts to address the region's challenges. They will also discuss the declaration adopted on June 1 by civil society representatives, members of business communities, and others, which seeks to reinvigorate the region's democratic trajectory, support democratic and economic reform, and strengthen the transatlantic partnership.
The following panelists are scheduled to speak:
* Andrew Wilson, Managing Director, Center for International Private Enterprise
* Peter Golias, Director, Institute for Economic and Social Reforms, Slovakia
* Andras Loke, Chair, Transparency International, Hungary
* Marek Tatala, Vice-President, Civil Development Forum, Poland
Additional comments will be provided by:
* Jan Surotchak, Regional Director for Europe, International Republican Institute
* Jonathan Katz, Senior Resident Fellow, German Marshall Fund
