Programs and Events

Happy Holidays!
December 2006
For many Americans, the Christmas season is a time for celebrations with family and friends, but also an occasion for charitable work. President Bush says in his 2006 Christmas message: "The simple story of Christmas speaks to every generation and holds a sense of wonder and surprise. During this time of joy and peace, may we be surrounded by the love of family and friends and take time to reflect on the year ahead."
Consul General Eric Nelson and the U.S. Consulate staff wish everyone a joyous and peaceful holiday season.(more)

Former Department of State Official Discusses U.S. Security Policy Direction
December 12, 2006.
Walter Slocombe (left), former Department of State Undersecretary for Policy, visited Munich for a day of lectures and discussions of post-mid term election U.S. foreign and security policy. He met with former German State Secretary and Ambassador Jürgen Chrobog (right) and a group of media, industry and government representatives at the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt. Slocombe made clear that the presidential foreign/security policy prerogative and congressional politics will mitigate dramatic policy changes.(more)

Tapestry Talk
December 9, 2006.
Princess Gloria of Thurn and Taxis welcomed Consul General Eric Nelson in the princely palace in Regensburg. The Thurn and Taxis family's history goes back to the early 12th century. Since 1812 the monastic buildings of the secularized Abbey of St. Emmeram have been the permanent residence of the princely family. It is one of the biggest inhabitated palaces in Europe. An over 250 year old history links the city of Regensburg with the princely house of Thurn und Taxis to the present day. During his visit to Regensburg the Consul General also gave an interview to editors of the local newspaper "Mittelbayerische Zeitung".(more)

Transatlantic Dialogue on China and India
December 7/8, 2006.
U.S. consulate's public affairs section and Munich's leading think tank Center for Applied Policy Research (CAP), with the support of the German Marshall Fund, conducted a high-level seminar on political, military and economic aspects of China's and India's integration into the international system. American participants in the dialogue included former Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth and former ambassadors Teresita Schaffer (Sri Lanka, now Center for Strategic and International Studies) and Mary Ann Peters (Bangladesh, now George C. Marshall Center). Munich Consul General Eric Nelson (standing) opened the seminar, underscoring the importance of U.S.-European policy coordination and cooperation in meeting the challenges presented by the growing global reach of these Asian powers.(more)

World AIDS Day
December 1, 2006.
On World Aids Day Amerika Haus Munich, Bavarian Television’s educational channel BR-alpha and the U.S. Consulate General Munich teamed up to present a panel discussion on "International Aids Policy". Consul General Nelson (left) presented the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and illustrated how the international World AIDS Day theme "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise" supports international cooperation in AIDS relief. The panelists, a Munich-based physician treating AIDS patients, a member of "Médécins sans Frontières" active in AIDS treatment in Africa, a leader in the charity organization "Münchner Aidshilfe" and a representative of the pharmaceutical industry discussed the political, economic, medical and social issues of AIDS relief politics today. The discussion was broadcast by Bavarian Television in the weekly program "DenkZeit".
Consul General Nelson's remarks
(more)

Consul General Nelson Meets Augsburg Media
December 1, 2006.
The Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung invited Consul General Eric Nelson (center) for a first meeting with its senior editors. The discussion led by chief editor Rainer Bonhorst (right) covered the major issues in transatlantic affairs, Bavarian-American business ties, and Mission Germany and Consulate Munich new outreach efforts, including the new visa section. In another "first," the Consul General was met and briefed by Augsburg University’s former dean for research and international affairs and by one of the university’s regents. Initiatives for more cooperation and exchange were discussed.(more)

60th Anniversary of German-American Institute Nuremberg
November 27, 2006.
The German-American Institute's 60th anniversary was celebrated in Nuremberg's festive Historical City Hall. Keynote speaker was Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs John K. Bauman (left). He congratulated the German-American Institute Nuremberg on the anniversary and thanked the city of Nuremberg - represented by Lord Mayor Dr. Ulrich Maly -, its citizens and the sponsoring partners for supporting this essential forum for transatlantic relations. Performing artists were Douglas Yates, baritone (right) and pianist Eric Machanic (center).(more)

Happy Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2006.
Consul General Nelson welcomed the consular staff community to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The Thanksgiving holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts, determined to practise their dissenting religion without interference. To this day, Thanksgiving dinner almost always includes some of the food served at the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, pumpkin pie. President Bush says in his Thanksgiving 2006 proclamation: "Our citizens are privileged to live in the world's freest country, where the hope of the American dream is within the reach of every person. Americans share a desire to answer the universal call to serve something greater than ourselves, and we see this spirit every day in the millions of volunteers throughout our country who bring hope and healing to those in need."(more)

State Minister Sinner Visits Visa Section
November 22, 2006.
State Minister Eberhard Sinner, head of the Bavarian State Chancellery, visited the new visa section at the Munich Consulate for an overview of the visa and passport process and border security procedures. Following a $1.2 million building project, the visa section began issuing visas in July. Since then, it has processed more than 4,000 visa applications for individuals from more than 100 countries residing here in Bavaria. Minister Sinner welcomed the service-oriented, high-tech procedures in place that have made travel to the United States more convenient for those requiring visas.(more)

Education Counts
November 21, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson and Public Affairs Officer Patricia Guy called on Bavarian Minister of Education Siegfried Schneider (right) and were briefed about Bavaria’s widespread educational opportunities in an integrated system of diversified formal education. Bavaria’s public education system facilitates academic careers as well as vocational and technical education. The Consul General discussed with Minister Schneider teacher training program sponsored and supported by the U.S. Consulate General, school visits by consulate personnel, teacher and student exchanges and how best to impart an accurate picture of America to German youth.(more)

"Gobble, Gobble"
November 17, 2006.
Some 40 enthusiastic fourth graders came to the Munich-Sendling branch public library for a bilingual reading program on Thanksgiving history and customs. Public Affairs Officer Pat Guy (center) entertained them with Thanksgiving poems, songs, games and stories and showed them yams and American cranberries. The kids also got to taste homemade muffins and cranberry juice. Children services librarian Adriana Grispo (left) and teachers joined the program.(more)

Showcase Global Award Presented
November 17, 2006.
The U.S. Commercial Service Munich and FedEx had invited to a networking reception at electronica 2006 to celebrate the U.S. Commercial Service Munich’s longstanding partner Munich International Trade Fairs (MMI). On that occasion, MMI was awarded the Showcase Global Award in recognition of its efforts in hosting leading trade events and providing a global platform for U.S. exporters. From left to right: Consul General Eric Nelson, Principal Commercial Officer Isabella Cascarano, and Klaus Dittrich, Managing Director, Messe Muenchen International.(more)

Muslim Life in a Non-Muslim Society
November 16, 2006.
In partnership with local Muslim organizations and with the help of U.S. Army chaplain Abdul Muhammad (left), the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Munich engaged a largely Muslim audience in a transatlantic dialogue on Muslim life in a non-Muslim society with a panel discussion at Munich Amerika Haus. Imam Muhammad and the panel discussion were subjects of broad media interest, including Turkish press. The Public Affairs Section also arranged a tour of the large Munich DITIM (Turkish) mosques and the independent Islamic Center in Penzberg, where he met with fellow Imams and Muslim community leaders and was invited to return.(more)

“Pictures Stay in Our Minds”
November 13, 2006.
Exceptional photos show the five boroughs of New York in a photo exhibit at the Sparkasse Nuremberg. U.S. Consul General Eric Nelson (second from left) gave opening remarks. The photo shows Dr. Matthias Everding, chairman of the board of the Sparkasse Nuremberg (right), the photographer Klaus Beer (second from right) and Professor Dr. Andreas Falke, Director of the Nuremberg German-American Institute.(more)

Semper Fi
November 11, 2006.
Munich’s Marine Security Detachment celebrated the 231st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps in Consul General Nelson's residence. Since the United States Marine Corps' establishment in 1775, Marines across the globe celebrate the Marine Corps' birthday. Among their many other duties, members of the U.S. Marine Corps guard U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.(more)

Teaching American Culture
November 10/12, 2006.
With support from the U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Section the Bavarian Academy for Teacher Training in Dillingen an der Donau carried out a 3-day teacher conference. 150 Bavarian teachers of English learned about "Teaching American Cultures in the 21st Century - Current Trends and Future Directions." The seminar used lectures and workshops to focus on the latest trends in U.S. literature, youth culture, visual arts, minorities, and how best to teach these topics. Professor Frank Couvares of Amherst College talked about American popular culture and multiculturalism; and American performance artist Janice Perry presented her one-woman show about religious myth and the experiences of an American in Germany.(more)

Consul General Nelson at Abendzeitung
November 7, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson (right) called on Munich's Abendzeitung for the first time. At the invitation of chief editor Michael Radtke (center) and deputy chief editor Torsten Fricke (left) he participated in the daily editorial conference and met with editors of the paper's political section for an in-depth conversation about current political issues, including the American mid-term elections and bilateral German-American relations.(more)

Consul General Nelson Interviewed for Frankenpost
November 7, 2006.
Editor Matthias Will (right) of the Frankenpost, Upper Franconia’s leading newspaper, interviewed Consul General Eric Nelson for the paper at the Consulate in Munich. The interview will introduce the new American Consul General in Bavaria to the Frankenpost readers in the Hof area and the three-state corner of Northern Bavaria, Southern Thuringia and Western Saxony.(more)

"St. Leonard Will Help!"
November 6, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and his wife Sue Timken attended, accompanied by Consul General Eric Nelson, one of the most traditional Bavarian pilgrimages with beautifully dressed women and men, artistically decorated wagons and magnificently groomed horses. The event is held annually in Bad Tölz in honor of St. Leonard, patron saint of horses and cattle. After a church service and parade around St. Leonard chapel on Calvary hill the pilgrims and their horses are blessed by the priest before returning to the town.(more)

One for the Country Road
November 4, 2006.
Consul for Management John Griffith participated in the Country Music Messe in Nuremberg. Over 50 bands entertained an enthusiastic audience. John Griffith played drums with the local country band "Far From Home" - a Bavarian-based local country band. The country fair featured not only entertainment but also exhibits on all things western, including music and clothing.(more)

Trick or Treat
October 31, 2006.
About 40 children gathered in the Munich-Fürstenried branch public library for a Halloween bilingual reading program. The event was the first in a series of global culture programs under the title “Hello, America” organized by the U.S. Consulate General Munich in cooperation with the Munich city public libraries system. Public Affairs Officer Patricia Guy explained the traditions of Halloween to the children and read a classic American Halloween storybook. For most of the children this was their first exposure to the English language and to American cultural traditions.(more)

American Citizen Information Night at the Consulate
October 25, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson and Consul Lisa Washburn, head of the Consular Section, welcomed guests to American Citizen Information Night. The event provided Americans residing in Bavaria and their families with information about services offered at the Consulate, passports, Social Security benefits, voter registration and tax assistance. All Americans were urged to register at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/in order to receive regular updates from the Consulate.(more)

German-American TIP Dialogue in Munich
October 25, 2006.
Department of Justice Senior Counsel on Trafficking Issues T. March Bell (right) and U.S. Attorney Bradley Schlozman met with representatives of Bavarian law enforcement authorities and NGOs for an in-depth discussion of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) prosecution and victim protection. Thomas Kelsey (center), political officer at the U.S. Consulate General Munich, joined the discussion group at the Amerika Haus.(more)

Franconian Capital Nuremberg Welcomes Consul General Nelson
October 20, 2006.
During his visit to Nuremberg Consul General Nelson met with Dr. Andreas Falke, director of the German-American Institute to talk about future cooperation projects. Together with Foreign Commercial Service officer Isabella Cascarano, he also visited the International Trade Fair for Air Conditioning to meet with American companies. The day concluded with a reception at the city hall hosted by the city, the Chamber of Commerce of Middle Franconia and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Nuremberg's sister city Atlanta. The photo shows Consul General Nelson (second from right) with city councillor Harald Riedel (left), Dr. Eike Jordan, chairman of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States in Atlanta (second from left), and the German American Chamber's president Kristian Wolf (right).(more)

"Breaking Down Stereotypes"
October 19, 2006.
At a welcome reception organized by the Amerika Haus Verein Consul General Eric Nelson (right) was the guest of honor and emphasized in his remarks the important contribution of the Bavarian American Center to the Bavarian-American dialogue and to international understanding. The Bavarian American Center is primarily financed by the State of Bavaria represented at the event by section chief Michael Hinterdobler (center). On the left is Bettina Randhahn, chairwoman of the Amerika Haus Verein.(more)

Consul General Hosts Iftaar Dinner
October 10, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson (left, standing) hosted an Iftaar dinner honoring the holy feast of Ramadan and the Muslim community in his consular district. He stressed in his remarks that Muslims in the United Sates share with their fellow Americans a commitment to faith, family and education. Among the participants were Abdurrahman Bilgic, Turkish Consul General in Munich, M. Selim Kartal, Turkish Consul General in Nürnberg as well as leaders from Bavaria's Islamic community.(more)

Daniel Pearl World Music Day Celebrated in Munich
October 8, 2006.
The U.S. Consulate General, the Munich Amerika Haus and the German-Turkish Cultural Council presented an inter-cultural concert honoring the slain American journalist Daniel Pearl and his quest for harmony for humanity. Turkish-German and Egyptian-German artists offered a unique oriental-occidental musical dialogue to a spell-bound audience of 200 by playing among others Cage, Schumann and Bach on traditional oriental instruments.(more)

German-American Day in Ansbach
October 6, 2006.
Deputy Chief of Mission John Koenig (second from right) traveled to Ansbach, Franconia, to celebrate German-American Day. He was the guest of honor at several events, including a visit at Diakonie Neuendettelsau, one of Bavaria's oldest and largest welfare organizations. At the reception hosted by the government of West-Middle-Franconia John Koenig met with Heinz Grunwald, vice president of the government of West-Middle-Franconia (second from left), Norman Blevins, president of the German-American Society of West Middle Franconia (right), and Roberto Eichinger, vice president of the Society (left). In the evening, Koenig spoke at a festive event hosted by the young German-American Society of West Middle Franconia and the city of Ansbach, highlighting the importance of individual engagement in support of German-American relations. On Oct. 7 he addressed the Federation of German-American Clubs meeting in Nuremberg to mark German-American Day.(more)

Deputy Chief of Mission Meets the Press
October 5, 2006.
In his first meeting with Bavarian media representatives, Deputy Chief of Mission John M. Koenig (left) welcomed ten journalists. Consul General Eric Nelson (right) hosted the briefing in the consulate. The extensive briefing touched on a broad range of bilateral and international issues. Focus of the ensuing discussion was on Afghanistan, the upcoming G-8 summit and the German EU presidency.(more)

Meet the Author: John Haskell
September 29, 2006.
John Haskell, a former actor, playwright, and performance artist who has worked in Chicago and New York, read from his much acclaimed debut novel "American Purgatorio" in Bamberg. "I'm interested in what happens below the surface", says the author. The reading took place at "Collibri", a Bamberg bookstore. Nora Gomringer, a rising star in the German literary scene read from the German translation published by Tropen Verlag. An audience of 60 people – mostly students – enjoyed the spotlight on a mesmerizing new novel.(more)

Global Competency Counts
September 29, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson met with some 40 students of the Junior Year in Munich program and briefed them about activities of the consulate in Munich and about services the consulate offers to U.S. citizens. Established in 1931 and re-opened by Wayne State University in 1953, the Junior Year in Munich is America's oldest study abroad program in Germany. For more than 50 years, the Junior Year in Munich has made it possible for students from U.S. colleges and universities to promote international friendship through student interchange at the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich. Since 1953, 3500 students from 500 US colleges and universities have gained global competency through Junior Year in Munich.(more)

A Look at South Korea and East Asia
September 28, 2006.
Ambassador James Lilley (center), here with Consul General Eric Nelson (right) and Dr. Peter Witterauf, Executive Director of the Hanns Seidel Foundation (left), visited Munich for a series of lectures, discussions and interviews on the current hotspots in Asia: the Korean peninsula, Taiwan and rising China. Drawing on his unique, life-long experience as an American diplomat and policymaker, Ambassador Lilley outlined the enormous challenges and opportunities in the region. In addition to his lecture hosted by the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Ambassador Lilley met with senior business and think tank representatives, editors of national and regional dailies, and appeared on Bavarian public radio.(more)

Cooperation in Public Diplomacy
September 25, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson visited the Hanns Seidel Foundation headquarters in Munich for a meeting with foundation president Dr. h.c. mult. Hans Zehetmair, former Bavarian state minister and member of the legislature. They discussed opportunities of cooperation in the realm of public diplomacy and reaffirmed the consulate’s and the foundation’s strong mutual interest in close Bavarian-American ties at all levels.(more)

Lower Franconia Welcomes Ambassador Timken
September 22, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken and Mrs. Sue Timken, accompanied by Consul General Eric Nelson, visited Würzburg and Lower Franconia to underscore U.S. commitment to continued German-American ties. In his call on Würzburg mayor Marion Schäfer and in his meeting with Main-Post editors, the Ambassador emphasized the strong U.S.-German partnership and continued U.S. engagement in Germany and Bavaria. Highlight of the ambassadorial visit was his speech to the Pastorius Society, a German-American friendship society in Sommerhausen near Würzburg and the birthplace of Franz Daniel Pastorius, leader of the first German immigrant group that established Germantown in 1683. There the Ambassador met with leaders of the region, including the president of the regional administration, mayors, county commissioners, university faculty and media representatives. The Ambassador and his delegation also paid a visit to the remaining U.S. troops in Würzburg, meeting with commanders, soldiers and spouses.
• Speech by Ambassador Timken in Sommerhausen
• Interview with Ambassador Timken in the Main-Post
• Photo Impressions(more)

Honoring a Sacrifice
September 16, 2006.
To honor the tragic death of three U.S. soldiers in the Danube river near Weltenburg in 1975, a memorial stone was placed at the spot where the soldiers perished during a training exercise. Vice-Consul Caroline Price (third from right) represented the U.S. Consulate General, Sergeant First Class Roy Bowen (second from right) represented the U.S. military at the ceremony. It was organized by "Amerika in Augsburg", a society that documents U.S. military presence in Germany. Members of the society are shown on the picture in historic military uniforms.(more)

New York City Landmarks – Old And New
September 13, 2006.
New York City’s buoyancy is celebrated at Amerika Haus Munich during this week of 9/11 remembrances with the exhibition of New York City’s historical landmarks, opened by Consul General Eric Nelson with remarks. The State Department sponsored exhibition portrays the Big Apple’s rich multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and intellectual life that will be the focus of a series of lectures and multi-media presentations over the coming weeks. As an opening, architecture critic Heike Werner introduced the guests of the exhibition to the landmarks of the future - from the new Hearst Tower to the Freedom Tower and the World Trade Center project. The photo shows Consul General Nelson (left) discussing landmarks of New York City - old and new - with architecture critic Heike Werner and Deutsche Werkbund Bavaria director Hermann Schubach.(more)

"Global Terrorism Needs Global Response"
September 11, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson (left) and Bavarian Minister of the Interior Dr. Günther Beckstein (second from left) spoke to an audience of 300 political, business, cultural and diplomatic representatives at the Amerika Haus Munich to commemorate the fifth anniversary of 9/11. Marianne Scott (center), Executive Director of "Our Voices Together", a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded by 9/11 families and others who have lost loved ones to terrorist acts, was the keynote speaker of the event.
• Remarks by Consul General Nelson (German)
• Remarks by Dr. Günther Beckstein, Bavarian Minister of the Interior (German)
• Speech by Executive Director Marianne Scott
• Münchner Merkur article(more)

Minister President Stoiber Welcomes Consul General Nelson
September 8, 2006.
Bavarian Minister President Dr. Edmund Stoiber extends a warm welcome to Consul General Eric Nelson as he greets him in his offices at the Bavarian State Chancellery. Bavaria and the United States have for a long time been united by a particularly close relationship. Both Consul General Nelson and Minister President Stoiber restated their commitment to continued cooperation between the United States and Bavaria.(more)

Tuning In
September 5, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson (right) visited facilities of the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) in Biblis and Lampertheim. IBB facilities in Hesse and in Ismaning, Bavaria, broadcast Voice of America, Radio Sawa, Alhurra, Radio Farda and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty throughout Africa, Asia, Eruope and the Near East. IBB professionals in Germany also provide engineering and program support to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and IBB’s local broadcasting affiliates throughout the world. • To find more information about IBB,click here • To find more information about Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, click here(more)

"Youth is The Key to a Strong Bavarian-American Friendship"
August 31, 2006.
Christa Stewens, Bavarian Minister for Employment, Social Affairs, Family and Women, welcomed Consul General Eric Nelson in her office. Both confirmed their commitment to Bavarian-American friendship and emphasized the special importance of youth exchange for mutual understanding. "It is more than desirable to increase youth exchange and youth partnerships between the two countries," said Minister Stewens and Consul General Nelson. "Youth is the key to a strong Bavarian-American friendship."(more)

Munich’s New Consul General "Meets the Press"
August 28, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson paid his first visit to the Münchner Merkur, the regional newspaper for Munich and Upper Bavaria. In the cordial meeting with editors hosted by chief editor Ernst Hebeker, Consul General Nelson introduced himself for the paper’s three-quarter million readers and answered questions on the state of German and Bavarian - American relations, on the anniversary of 9/11 and on shared transatlantic and global challenges.(more)

Consul General Nelson Visits Marshall Center
August 18, 2006.
Consul General Eric Nelson (center) visited the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and met with Center Director Dr. John P. Rose (right) and Associate Director for International Liaison, Ambassador David Litt (left). The mission of the Marshall Center is to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions and relationships, especially in the field of defense; promoting active, peaceful security cooperation; and enhancing enduring partnerships among the nations of North America, Europe and Eurasia. For more information on the Marshall Center, click here.(more)

New Consul General Arrives in Munich
August 1, 2006.
Eric Nelson met with the Consulate staff shortly after assuming his duties as Munich's 49th Consul General. Mr. Nelson described his arrival in Bavaria as a homecoming of sorts, noting that as a university student he had studied German at the University of Konstanz. His experience there led to his decision to pursue a career as a foreign service officer.
• Biography(more)

Schuhplattl Smiles
July 22, 2006.
Public Affairs Officer Patricia Guy (center) made welcoming remarks at the Schuhplattln World Championship in Diessen on Ammersee. She presented certificates and pins to the American participants who won fourth place. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Erwin Huber represented the Bavarian government at the colorful event. The Bavarian hosts had nothing but praise for the Americans’ performance.(more)

Multiculturalism Duet
July 20, 2006.
Public Affairs Officer Patricia Guy discussed "Multiculturalism in the U.S." with a group of 60 students at Valentin-Heider-Gymnasium in Lindau on Lake Constance. The lecture about the multiethnic composition of U.S. society was combined with a lively musical performance - songs, guitar, and harmonica - by American musician Charlie Maguire. Maguire described the roots and development of authentic American blues and folk music through his performance and patter.(more)

Rebuilding Transatlantic Bridges in Bavaria
July 14/15, 2006.
The Public Affairs section of the U.S. Consulate Munich collaborated with the Academy for Political Education in Tutzing in a two-day conference for political party operatives, university faculty and students, journalists and civics teachers. American and German presenters, including John Sammis, Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs, US mission to the EU (left), Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee chair Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, German Marshall Fund Berlin director Dr. Constanze Stelzenmueller and Fletcher School faculty member Daniel Drezner led the intensive discussions throughout the days and night.(more)

Bavaria - an American Dream
July 4, 2006.
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney sports the best of both worlds -- American and Bavarian -- as the U.S. Consulate General marks the 230th birthday of the United States of America. He donned the Texas cowboy hat and the Bavarian Gamsbart (chamois hairs) during his remarks to 1,200 invited guests celebrating U.S. Independence Day. The Consul General presented a group of journalists, students and business people the first U.S. visas issued in the newly opened nonimmigrant visa section that opens to the general public July 5. Bavarian Justice Minister Beate Merk presented congratulations on behalf of the Bavarian government. Mr. Rooney also bid farewell to guests as his three-year tenure as Consul General ends this month.
More photos,part I
More photos,part II (more)

Open Doors, Secure Borders
June 30, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. (center) and Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (left) cut the ribbon in a ceremony to open the new nonimmigrant visa section at the U.S. Consulate General in Munich. In his remarks Ambassador Timken emphasized that this “substantial event” proves “how strong the United States feels about its presence in Germany.“ Munich will join Frankfurt and Berlin as Germany's third nonimmigrant visa issuance post. The visa section opens for business July 5. Appointments for visa interviews can be made only by calling the fee-based Visa Information Service at 0900-1-850055.(more)

Farewell to Augsburg
June 27, 2006.
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney gave a farewell interview to Germany's largest regional subscription daily, the Augsburger Allgemeine. Consul General Rooney, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Dianna Rooney, made his last call on Augsburg Lord Mayor Dr. Paul Wengert (right). His parting visit demonstrated the strong cooperative relationship that the U.S. Consulate Munich has with Augsburg.(more)

Getting a Kick
June 21/22, 2006.
Thirty enthusiastic teen soccer players from 13 countries caught World Cup fever during their two-day stay in Nuremberg. The boys and girls aged 13-18 participated in a full program that included sharing training tips with 45 fellow players from Nuremberg’s "Bertolt Brecht School", Bavaria’s soccer magnet school. The group also participated in a press conference with Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes (right) and Ambassador William R. Timken (left) that highlighted the U.S. State Department’s World Cup Sports Initiative. Ambassador William R. Timken Jr., accompanied by Consul General Matthew M. Rooney, used the occasion to present a set of sports books to "Bertolt Brecht School".  More photos (more)

Farewell to Regensburg
June 13, 2006.
During his farewell visit to the city of Regensburg Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (center) engaged a group of German and American exchange students in a discussion on the impact of globalization on a country's culture and about common misperceptions and cliches. Consul General Rooney also discussed the current state of transatlantic relations with 250 students of political science and American studies.(more)

The Art of Diplomacy
June 12, 2006.
An art exhibit in the Consulate lobby demonstrates that members of the Consulate community are talented not only in the diplomatic arts but also in the fine arts. Paintings, drawings and sculptures by family members are featured in the display, including the works of Dianna Rooney (left), wife of Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (right).(more)

Economic Forum in Erlangen
June 6, 2006
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney discussed German-American relations and transatlantic business issues at the CSU Economic Forum in Erlangen. His audience featured senior political and business leaders, including the majority leader in the Bavarian state legislature, Joachim Herrmann, the spokesman for budgetary affairs of the CSU party group in the German federal parliament, Stefan Müller, and presidents and members of regional chambers of commerce. Soon departing Consul General Rooney also met to say farewell to Erlangen’s Lord Mayor, Dr. Siegfried Balleis.(more)

Democracy Promotion Discussed In Transatlantic Fora
May 31/June 1, 2006.
Charles Mallory (second from right), Senior Advisor in the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and German Marshall Fund Bratislava director Pavol Demes (second from left) discussed - together with additional German and American specialists - in a series of presentations, panels and media encounters democracy promotion concepts and efforts for the Broader Middle East and Eastern Europe.(more)

The West - What Else?
May 24, 2006.
U.S. Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (center) participated in the 5th anniversary celebration of the Council on Public Policy, a transatlantic public policy network, at the University of Bayreuth. He chaired a high-level discussion on the current state and the future of transatlantic relations with Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger (right), formerly German Ambassador in Washington, now in London, and Craig Kennedy (left), president of the German Marshall Fund. The productive exchange focused on shared challenges such as China, Russia and the socioeconomic impact of demographic changes rather than on past disputes.(more)

Political Cultures – Culture of Politics
May 18, 2006.
U.S. Consul General Matthew M. Rooney opened a two-day international conference at the Bavarian-American Academy at the Amerika Haus Munich. The 2006 Academy conference discusses the cultural foundations of polity, politics, and policies and how they mark differing types of societal order within the transatlantic community. High-caliber speakers examine the cultural framework of the modalities of political culture in the United States, Canada and Germany from various angles.(more)

Transatlantic Relations - Chances, Challenges, Perspectives
May 15, 2006.
The Catholic University of Eichstätt that has close academic ties with the Catholic University of Washington welcomed U.S. Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (right) to the university’s political science department. The Chancellor of the University, Dr. Gottfried Freiherr von der Heydte, introduced Consul General Rooney to students and faculty members of the political science department. Consul Rooney spoke to the audience on new perspectives and challenges in transatlantic relations. While in Eichstätt, the Consul General also met with Lord Mayor Arnulf Neumeyer and members of the Bavarian Parliament.(more)

Underscoring Partnerships
May 12, 2006.
In his first visit to Augsburg, regional center for southwestern Bavaria and home to the 5th largest regional German daily Augsburger Allgemeine (400, 000 circ.), Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. (right) spent an hour with the paper’s editorial staff, addressing the gamut of transatlantic issues and underscoring the strong personal relationship between President Bush and Chancellor Merkel. Ambassador Timken reached a wide public of some 1.2 million Augsburger Allgemeine readers. Augsburger Allgemeine chief editor Rainer Bonhorst is on the left. Mrs. Sue Timken, the Ambassador’s wife, visited the “Fuggerei”, the oldest existing low-income housing project in the world. The Fuggers were also merchants, bankers and active philanthropists. Jakob Fugger and his brothers Ulrich and Georg built the Fuggerei in 1521 for citizens of Augsburg in need. The cluster of 67 houses with a total of 140 apartments is still in use today as housing for persons of limited means.(more)

Healthy German-American Business Climate
May 12, 2006.
Ambassador William R.Timken, Jr. (right) opened the 103rd annual membership meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany in Munich. Congratulating the Chamber and its members for their commitment to the growth of transatlantic commerce, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of the business community in the new German-American partnership that has been forged under the leadership of Chancellor Merkel and President Bush. He urged the business leaders assembled, among them the CEOs of BMW, Allianz and Siemens to include the support for that partnership in their corporate citizenship activities. The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, Fred Irwin, is on the left.(more)

"Choose Something Like a Star" - Music For Katrina Victims
May 12, 2006.
Thomas Kelsey, political officer at the U.S. Consulate General Munich, opened a charity concert by the German-American Choral Society at St. Gabriel church in Munich. The concert included spirituals and musical interpretations of the poems of Robert Frost (hence the motto "Choose something like a star"), as well as a solo performance by soprano Mitchell Woodard from St Louis. The concert under the patronage of the Munich Consulate General raised a considerable amount of money for victims of Katrina, in particular members of the Northlake Performing Arts Society, a community-based choral society in the NOLA area.(more)

Farewell Visit to Bamberg
May 9, 2006.
Upon invitation of the Chamber of Commerce for Upper Franconia Consul General Matthew M. Rooney visited the city of Bamberg. He met with Bamberg's Lord Mayor Andreas Starke and toured two companies in the region, Salzbrenner Stagetec Mediagroup and Wieland Electric. At the Chamber of Commerce Consul General Rooney discussed German-American trade relations and answered questions from local business representatives and the media.(more)

Newcomers Festival
May 7, 2006.
For the first time, the U.S. Consulate Munich was represented at the fourth annual Newcomers Festival – Welcoming Bavaria’s International Community. The event is sponsored by the State of Bavaria and provides information to make living and working in Bavaria easier for international residents. The consular section of the U.S. Consulate General answered questions about passports and citizenship, and gave out materials to nearly 100 people who stopped to visit. It was a good opportunity to share information with Americans living in Bavaria about important topics like absentee voting and Avian Flu precautions.(more)

A Visit at Evangelische Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik Bethlehem
May 2, 2006.
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney visited the Evangelische Fachschule für Sozialpädagogik Bethlehem, a social services school of the Protestant church in southwestern Germany to discuss the role of church and faith in American society. He shared with students and faculty that a majority of Americans attach great importance to their faith and that the churches continue to play a growing role in the provision of social services. Consul General Rooney was welcomed by the school principal Hans-Walter Süß (right) and the teacher Hergen Albrecht (left).(more)

Poland’s Role in Transatlantic Relations
April 26, 2006.
U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe (second from left) gave a lecture on "Poland's Role in Transatlantic Relations: An American Perspective" at the CSU-affiliated Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung Munich. US Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (right) and Polish Consul General Waclaw Oleksy (second from right) gave introductory remarks. Dr. Reinhard C. Meier-Walser, director of the Hanns-Seidl-Stiftung (left), welcomed the ambassador and the consul generals. Photo: Hubertus Klingsböngl(more)

Transatlantic Transmissions
April 24, 2006.
On his visit to Lower Bavaria, Consul General Matthew M. Rooney toured the plant of ZF in Passau, worldwide leading automotive supplier for driveline and chassis technology. Josef Thuringer (far right), director of ZF research lab, explained test systems at the plant while Europa-Union chairman for Lower Bavaria Baron Freiherr von Cetto (left), Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (second from left) and Konrad Kobler (third from left), member of Bavarian parliament, looked on. When visiting the region, Consul General also had briefings at the Chamber of Commerce for Lower Bavaria, discussed with students at the Gymnasium Untergriessbach and gave an interview to the regional newspaper Passauer Neue Presse.(more)

Making Music - Making Friends
April 20, 2006.
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (left) welcomed a group of 50 high school students from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA at the Consulate General in Munich and briefed them about the diplomatic service and his experiences in Germany. The student group visited Munich in the course of a music band exchange program between the Bishop Ireton High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Musikverein Zolling. The two music groups meet and perform regularly on both sides of the Atlantic.(more)

Innovation and Competitiveness in the Face of Global Competition
March 27, 2006.
U.S. innovation and competitiveness expert Dr. Kent Hughes from the Wilson Center of International Scholars in Washington, D.C., spoke at the SiemensForum in Munich. Hughes, formerly in the U.S. Department of Commerce and President of the Council on Competitiveness, addressed the need for new efforts to preserve and expand innovation and competitiveness in American and European industries and economies in the face of globalization and the rise of China and India. SiemensForum director Klaus Giselher Reiter and Consul General Matthew M. Rooney hosted the event with Dr. Hughes (from left to right).(more)

Interview with Bavarian Television
March 27, 2006.
Dr. Hilde Stadler interviewed Consul General Matthew M. Rooney for a program on BR-alpha, the Bavarian educational television channel, that will be broadcast in June. Consul General Rooney was on the set of Alpha-Forum with Dr. Stadler to discuss current issues in German-U.S. relations and his career as a diplomat for the United States.(more)

Foster Understanding – Counter Prejudice
March 24, 2006.
As part of Munich’s school outreach program Consul General Matthew M. Rooney discussed the history, current state of affairs and future challenges of German-American relations with sixty students and teachers of Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Reichsstadt-Gymnasium. The Q&A session included topics such as death penalty, gun control and prejudice. Consul General Rooney also gave an interview to the regional daily Fränkischer Tag.(more)

Looking At China and India Through the Transatlantic Prism
March 23 - 24, 2006.
U.S. Consulate General Munich and Munich University Center for Applied Policy Research (CAP) brought together European and American experts from government, industry and think tanks for a two-day discussion of the challenge that China's and India's rise to great power status presents for the transatlantic partnership. Among the participants were (from left to right) William Hoehn, Director, Russian American Nuclear Security Advisory Council (Washington), Ashley Tellis, Carnegie Endowment for Peace (Washington), Thomas Bauer, CAP, and Alexander Lennon, Center for International and Strategic Studies (Washington).(more)

50th Anniversary of the German Atlantic Association
March 21, 2006.
John Koenig, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Mission to NATO, was a keynote speaker at the 50th anniversary of the German Atlantic Association at Amerika Haus. Koenig spoke about NATO transformation for the 21st century. General Klaus Naumann, the former NATO military committee chief, also spoke at the event. Koenig also met with diplomats, politicians and academicians at a lunch March 22 hosted by the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.(more)

U.S. Vets Revive Memory of Postwar Germany
March 20, 2006.
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (center) welcomed veterans of the 65th and 71st US Infantry Divisions, who entered and occupied Passau, southeastern Bavaria, and Upper Austria in 1945, on their visit to the region. The visit was initiated by Anna Rosmus (second from right), a Passau native, and German-American author and human rights activist. Two of the participants in the group that met with Consul General Rooney at the former Amerika Haus are involved in a book-donation project in Iraq modeled after the postwar American libraries in Germany. Consul General Rooney also gave a speech at the Passau city hall where he was greeted by Lord Mayor Albert Zankl (right).(more)

Amerika Haus 60th anniversary: "…the Importance of Honest and Direct Dialogue between Friends."
March 15, 2006.
Some 500 invited guests celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Amerika Haus Munich. Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. (right) mentioned in his remarks "…it is important that institutions like the Bavarian-American Center succeed. The solutions to the many challenges and opportunities that face us are to be found in dialogue and common efforts." The other keynote speaker was Bavarian Minister President Dr. Edmund Stoiber (left)
• Ambassador Timken's speech(more)

Evolution of a Friendship
March 9/10, 2006.
U.S.Ambassador William R. Timken (second from right) and Mrs. Timken made their first trip to Franconia, the Northern Bavarian region where U.S. troops were concentrated during the Cold War. The program included a meeting with Nuremberg’s Lord Mayor for a discussion of the upcoming U.S. soccer team's World Cup match in Nuremberg; the opening of the Bundeswehr-sponsored German-American exhibition "Evolution of a Friendship" at Nuremberg German-American Institute; a meeting with the chief editors of Nuernberger Nachrichten, one of Germany's largest regional daily; and the opening of the International Gun Show, the world's second largest, at the Nuernberg fair grounds. During a "detour" to the neighboring city of Fuerth, birthplace of Secretary Henry Kissinger, the Ambassador spoke to national and regional government and business leaders and signed the city's golden book. Mrs. Timken used the opportunity to visit a center for battered children and youths and engaged with resident teachers and youths.
• Ambassador Timken's speech opening the exhibit
• Ambassador Timken's speech at the trade fair(more)

A Fresh Look at the USA
March 8-10, 2006.
Some 30 Bavarian teachers attended the teacher seminar "The USA Today - A Fresh Look at U.S. Politics, Foreign Policy and the Media" at the Academy for Political Education in Tutzing. Consul General Matthew M. Rooney opened the conference. U.S. and German experts presented different perspectives on major U.S. and global issues. Public Affairs Officer Patricia Guy (right) spoke on the upcoming midterm elections, Politicial Officer Thomas Kelsey (left) on the revived bilateral relationship and Prof. Darrell West (center) from Brown University on globalization and societal change.(more)

Library of Congress Meets Regensburg – an Idea Rewarded
March 7, 2006.
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (center) gave opening remarks at a ceremony that rewarded the cooperation of the Electronic Journal Library (EZB) of the University of Regensburg with the Library of Congress to build what may be the world’s largest noncommercial e-journal database. The project was selected in the Germany-wide campaign "Land of Ideas" that rewards innovative ideas. The award was presented to Regensburg University Rector Professor Dr. Alf Zimmer (right) by sponsor institution Deutsche Bank represented by Josef Blaschke (left). Regensburg University Library Director Dr. Friedrich Geißelmann (second from right) proudly holds the trophy.(more)

Islamic Community Extends Warm Welcome
February 16, 2006.
As part of the consulate’s efforts to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (second from left) and Consul for Public Affairs Patricia Guy (left) visited the Islamic community in Penzberg, Upper Bavaria. Imam Benjamin Idriz, (center) community leader Bayram Yerli, Penzberg mayor Regina Bartusch and community members warmly welcomed their guests. After a tour through the newly built Islamic Center in Penzberg and a prayer in the mosque, there was a free exchange of ideas on the values the Islamic and the Western world hold common. Consul General Rooney congratulated his hosts on their exemplary engagement in the process of fostering understanding and tolerance.
• Photo impressions(more)

Having a Ball
February 15, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. (right) and Bavarian Minister President Edmund Stoiber were patrons of the annual Magnolia Ball organized by the German-American Women’s Club at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (center) joined the luminaries at one of the premiere events in Munich’s ball season. Funds raised will go to local charities and will assist in further augmenting the club’s German-American student exchange program. Together with the two U.S. students presently studying in Munich under the club’s youth program, the president of the German-American Women’s Club, Dr. Gisela Modersohn-Sprung, (second from left) proudly presents this year’s 10,000 Euros check.(more)

Porgy and Bess Redefined
February 9, 2006.
Two experts on African-American culture, Prof. Ethel Morgan Smith (right), University of West Virginia, and Prof. Berndt Ostendorf (center), University of Munich, engaged 35 Bavarian teachers in a multi-media seminar on African-American women writers and Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” Consul for Public Affairs Patricia Guy (left) gave introductory remarks.(more)

42nd Munich Conference on Security Policy
February 4/5, 2006.
More than 300 defense ministers and top security officials meet in Munich at the 42nd Munich Conference on Security Policy. Attendees discuss: "Europe and the United States: Restoring the Transatlantic Partnership" as well as a variety of other issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and the war on terror. Much emphasis will also be placed on the future role of NATO. The photo shows Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (right) and U.S. Ambassador to Germany William R. Timken, Jr. at the conference site.
• Text of speech as delivered by Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld
• Deputy Secretary Robert B. Zoellick: Address and Excerpts from Panel Discussion: “Russia, Europe and the World -- Prospects for Cooperation on Global Security Issues.”
• Photo Impressions (more)

Groundbreaking for Expansion of Consular Section
January 31, 2006.
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. (right) and Consul General Matthew M. Rooney break ground for expansion of the U.S. Consulate General to include a visa section. When the new visa section opens in July 2006, Bavarian citizens will no longer have to travel to Frankfurt or Berlin to obtain a visa to the United States. Said Ambassador Timken: “We want young Bavarians to study and learn in the United States, and we want Bavarian entrepreneurs to do business in the United States. The door to the United States is figuratively open to you today, and in July we will literally open our door here in Munich.”(more)

Mozart on a String
January 24, 2006.
U.S. puppet artist Buzz Schwall of Anchorage, Alaska, participated in the exhibit “Mozart in Puppetry” that opened at the renowned "Augsburger Puppenkiste". The puppet museum exhibition - tied to the worldwide 250th birthday celebrations for Mozart - features over 200 puppets from around the world, including Schwall's puppets from Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni." With the support of the Public Affairs section of the U.S. Consulate General Buzz Schwall conducted a workshop at a Bavarian elementary school featuring puppet making and performance.(more)

Royalties Galore
January 20, 2006.
Consul General Matthew M. Rooney was the keynote speaker at the CSU-hosted New Year’s reception in Schrobenhausen. In his speech Consul General Rooney stressed the importance of international friendships in a globalized world economy. His visit to the area also included a tour of Bauer Maschinen, a leading specialist of foundation equipment. The photo shows Consul General Rooney surrounded by “regional royalties” – the asparagus queen, the potato queen, the dairy queen and the blossom princess.(more)

U.S. Ambassador to NATO at Munich Roundtable
January 18, 2006.
In a session with journalists and policy analysts U.S. Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland outlined NATO's agenda for 2006, calling it a "pivotal year" for the Alliance in its role as a force for democracy, peace and stability in the world. The session was hosted by Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (left). Ambassador Nuland responded forcefully to a broad range of questions and stressed the U.S. commitment to NATO's role as the central transatlantic forum for strategic discussion and cooperation.(more)

Ambassador O’Donnell Visits Bavaria
January 12/13, 2006.
During his two-day visit Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues Ambassador Edward O’Donnell (right) met with leaders of the Jewish communities in Munich and Augsburg and addressed the editorial board of the Augsburger Allgemeine, one of Germany’s oldest and largest regional papers. He also visited the construction site of the Jewish community center in Munich, the restored synagogue in Augsburg (photo) and discussed holocaust and tolerance education with young researchers and trainers at Munich’s Center for Applied Policy Research. Ambassador O’Donnell carried a strong message of U.S. commitment to the struggle against anti-Semitism, xenophobia and intolerance.(more)

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Group in Munich
January 5, 2006.
A group of undergraduate and MBA students and faculty from the College of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh visited the U.S. Consulate Munich, where they were welcomed by Consul General Matthew M. Rooney (far right) and received a commercial briefing from Commercial Officer Isabella Cascarano (third from left). The group is visiting Munich and Prague on a two-week study tour, that is an integral part of their business curriculum. The students also will visit several companies and institutions to gain insight into German and Czech economies and business culture.(more)