On Tues., March 7, the Detroit Council for World Affairs of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, will host the European Union Ambassador to the United States, John Bruton. EU Ambassador Bruton will speak on “Strengthening European and US Relations,” at 2:00 p.m., in the Spencer M. Partrich Law School Auditorium on the campus of Wayne State.

"Bruton’s visit comes at a time when events in Europe are of great interest and concern to America. From urban unrest over immigrants, to the cartoon controversy, to the failure to ratify its new constitution, the EU faces significant challenges,” said Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Fred Pearson. “Europeans disagree on U.S. foreign policy, are uncertain about the war in Iraq and are concerned about Iranian nuclear developments. This will be a rare opportunity for Detroiters to gain valuable insight from our closest allies, and from the senior EU official in the U.S."

Bruton is a former Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach), who helped transform the Irish economy into the "Celtic Tiger," one of the fastest growing economies in the world. During his tenure (1994-1997), the Irish economy grew at an average annual rate of 8.7%, peaking at 11.1 % in 1997. Bruton was also deeply involved in the Northern Irish Peace Process leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Before being appointed EU Ambassador to the United States in 2004, Bruton led the caucus that drafted the first European Constitution that was signed in Rome on October 29, 2004 and is now before the 25 EU Member States for ratification.

Elected to the Irish Parliament ("Dáil Éireann") in 1969 at 22, he became Party Leader in 1990, and led the Fine Gael party into government in 1994. He served as Ireland\'s Minister for Finance (1981-1982 & 1986-1987); Minister for Industry & Energy (1982-1983); and Minister for Trade, Commerce & Tourism (1983-1986).

The Detroit Council for World Affairs promotes understanding of international issues and Detroit’s role in a changing world by providing a non-partisan, nation-wide forum for discussion, analysis and debate. DCWA seeks to enrich education, spur long-term economic development and provide new ideas and cultural perspectives for Detroiters.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.