Memo: Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn to visit Washington for talks with top US Research, Innovation and Science policymakers

Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn visited Washington on 27 May-1 June 2010, on her first trip outside the EU since entering office. She met key figures in the US Administration and Congress, including Dr John P. Holdren, the leading science advisor to President Obama, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and Chair of US Congress House Science and Technology Committee, Bart Gordon. She also made keynote speeches to high-level business and stakeholder audiences at the European-American Business Council (EABC) and the European Institute. Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn made clear from day one of her mandate that she attaches very high importance to the EU's relationship with the US, Europe's biggest science and technology partner.