Day 2 in Brussels brings back memories of my first ever visit here, 20 years ago nearly to the day. I had helped organize a National Governors Association trip here. The Europeans were mildly disappointed that then-Governor Mike Dukakis didn’t come as he had been the Democratic nominee for president the previous year. The importance of the fact that then-Governor Bill Clinton was on the trip was not yet apparent.
Had breakfast this morning with Daniel Calleja. He is looking for a way to make progress in the US-EU aviation relationship and we discussed some of his ideas. We also discussed security and environment among other issues.
Remember my great chocolate debate from the trip in December? Went with Mary’s this time.
Many of the issues faced across the Atlantic are similar, as are the political dynamics. There are differences in approach but we should ultimately have a much more open, liberal, air service relationship. And hopefully we will one day have a single US-EU perimeter for security and facilitation.
Almost forgot, went back to Mary Chocolatier. You might recall I tried Pierre Marcolini last time. It was excellent. But I did feel I owed Mary another visit, and it was more convenient to where I was staying.
Posted by Greg 
