Good morning, everyone, on this surprisingly snowy day in Ottawa.
We are beginning our study into threats to liberal democracy in Europe. We're pleased to welcome our guests for the first hour.
From the Atlantic Council, we have former ambassador Daniel Fried, distinguished follow at the Atlantic Council and also former special assistant and NSC senior director for presidents Clinton and Bush, ambassador to Poland and assistant to the secretary of state for Europe. Welcome, Ambassador Fried.
We also have Mr. Benjamin Haddad, Director, Future Europe Initiative. He's an expert in European politics and transatlantic relations. He has notably advocated for transatlantic unity in the face of Russian aggression, greater European responsibility and investment on strategic matters.
We also have Dr. Staffan Lindberg, Professor in the Political Science Department and Director of the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg.
I would like to start with our guests from the Atlantic Council, who can take 10 to 12 minutes for some introductory remarks.
Dr. Lindberg, we'll then move to you.
Then of course we'll open it up to members because I'm sure they're going to have many questions for all of you.
With that, our guests from the Atlantic Council, please proceed.