Recent activities and events

Dear ETLA Members and Friends,

We are thrilled to invite you to our first ETLA event of 2026, in what promises to be a topical and engaging evening!

We are honoured to welcome Mr Rufino Hurtado, Senior Trade Representative at the U.S. Mission to the European Union. Mr Hurtado will join us for an open discussion – under the Chatham House rule – on:
“U.S.-EU trade relations under the Second Trump Administration – a view from the coalface”.

Mr Hurtado will share insights on the technical-level relationship between U.S. and EU trade officials and the key areas of discussion – and agreement – between the two sides. A lively Q&A session with attendees will follow the discussion.

🕕 When: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
⏰ Time: 18:00 – 19:00 (discussion + Q&A), followed by drinks & refreshments
📍 Where: Covington & Burling LLP, Manhattan, Bolwerklaan 21 / Avenue du Boulevard 21, B-1210 Brussels

We are immensely grateful to Covington & Burling LLP for graciously hosting us. A leading global law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., Covington is widely recognized for its excellence in regulatory, litigation, corporate, and public policy matters.

🍷 After the discussion, stay for informal networking over drinks and refreshments: the perfect way to kick off the year with ETLA!

Please RSVP by 20 April 2026 at info@etla-trade.eu to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing many of you there. Bring your questions & your curiosity!

Warmest regards,
your ETLA Board & Coordination Team

ETLA hosted an evening panel discussion and networking reception on recent developments in EU export controls, kindly hosted by Sidley Austin LLP. Stéphane Chardon (DG Trade, European Commission) shared insights on how the EU export control framework is adapting to rapid geopolitical changes, followed by an interactive discussion with practitioners.

ETLA welcomed Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General and Chief Trade Enforcement Officer at the European Commission, for an open discussion on the impact of evolving U.S. trade policy on the EU’s trade agenda. The event concluded with a lively Q&A and informal networking, hosted by Covington & Burling LLP.