On July 8-9, the Embassy of Italy in Washington DC hosted the conference "Italy, Europe and the US: facing inevitable change in a smart way," organized by Aspen Institute Italia. Ambassador of Italy Armando Varricchio and U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry delivered opening remarks, at the presence of Under Secretary of State at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Prof. Michele Geraci.

The conference, attended by experts on international affairs from both sides of the Atlantic, offered a significant opportunity to discuss and provide insight into the current state and future outlook of transatlantic relations. On the occasion of the conference, a dinner was held at the Residence of the Ambassador of Italy, attended by Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment at the State Department Keith Krach.