After former Vice-Chancellor of Germany & Atlantik-Brücke Chairman Sigmar Gabriel delivered a very well received welcome, Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte provided insightful comments on “Trust and the German-American Relationship” reminding everyone that democracy is not a given but needs to be defended and to deliver better outcomes. Energy In- vs. Dependence was at the core of a panel and a sustainable energy transition plus near-term solutions at the core of many discussions. I compared notes with Former German Minister & Atlantik-Brücke Vice Chairman Norbert Röttgen and with Dr. John Lipsky, Former Vice Chairman of JP Morgan & Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins.