Druven

SAVE THE DATE - The transatlantic relationship stands at a pivotal moment in 2025. With political transitions in Washington and Brussels, shifting economic landscapes, and evolving global challenges, the need for strategic dialogue has never been more pressing. Following the success of last year’s edition, Druven, in partnership with BELWEST - Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, is hosting the second edition of this high-level discussion. ?? April 10, 2025 ?? Los Angeles ?? 6:00 PM ? This year’s panel will explore the frictions and opportunities shaping transatlantic relations, with discussions on: ?? Security and Defense – The impact of the Ukraine conflict and NATO realignments ?? Economic and Trade Relations – Finding common ground amid shifting priorities ?? Climate and Sustainability – Advancing joint efforts for a greener future ?? Geopolitical Influence – The role of rising global powers in transatlantic affairs ? A conversation designed for decision-makers, industry leaders, and policymakers seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of transatlantic affairs. Seats will be limited—stay tuned for further details and registration information. ? #TransatlanticRelations #GlobalBusiness #InternationalAffairs #Policy #Advocacy #Druven #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #Sustainability #Geopolitics #Trade #Security #US #Europe Geert Criel Sophie Hottat Paulina Kapuscinska Adrien Frier Christophe Ortega Mietek Boduszyński?David Hubert Daniel Da Cruz Hubert Goffinet Eric Gabrys Wouter Debeyne Wim Sohier Elke Wauters Jeroen Hallaert Patrick Hollenfeltz William Hermant Leentje De Leeuw Dr. Reza Yeganehshakib Thibault Dewitte Erin McCoy Joanna Smolinska Vasiliki (Vasia) Tsaknaki

A high-level business mission from the Czech Republic will take place in San Francisco from March 24 to 27, led by Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport, and Miloslav Sta?ek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the USA. With +40 Czech companies and leading universities participating, the visit will provide key insights into the U.S. and California business landscape. A Business Networking Event on March 25 will feature presentations from U.S. partners on economic trends, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities, fostering deeper engagement between Czech and American industries, with guests speakers such as Sean Randolph, Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute and Michal Kadera, External Affairs Director at ?koda Auto This initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening transatlantic cooperation in transportation, technology, and innovation. As a founding member of the Czech Western US Chamber of Commerce, Druven supports international business dialogue and strategic partnerships. ?? For those attending the networking event in the evening, RSVP here: https://lu.ma/dprq536r #CzechRepublic #InternationalBusiness #TransatlanticRelations #BusinessLeadership #EconomicCooperation #USCzechRelations #TradeAndInvestment #Innovation #GlobalBusiness #Druven

Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, will be joining the Keeping an Eye on Europe 2025 conference on April 10 in Los Angeles. His insights will contribute to a dynamic discussion on key transatlantic topics. ?? About Adrien Frier Adrien Frier serves as the Consul General of France in Los Angeles. This appointment marks his first consular post in a distinguished diplomatic career spanning nearly two decades. A graduate of the Institut d’études Politiques (IEP) de Paris (Sciences Po), Adrien Frier holds a Master's degree in Public Affairs (2006) and an additional Master's in Law, Management, and Economics of Sport. His expertise extends across strategic diplomacy, security, and European affairs. His career began as a trainee secretary in the Foreign Affairs cadre d’Orient before serving as Diplomatic Advisor to Harlem Désir, then Secretary of State for European Affairs, in 2015. He later joined the Directorate of Strategic Affairs, Security, and Disarmament, playing a pivotal role in France’s global security strategy under Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. He spent a year at the US State Department as an exchange diplomat in 2016-2017, then two years at the French Embassy in Washington, in charge of European affairs in particular, between 2017 and 2019. By 2020, he was appointed Deputy Director for Counterterrorism and Organized Crime, overseeing critical security initiatives. In 2022, Adrien Frier took on the role of Strategic Affairs and Continental Europe Advisor in the office of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna. A seasoned diplomat, he officially entered the corps of Foreign Affairs Advisors and Ministers Plenipotentiary in 2023. As Consul General in Los Angeles, he brings extensive diplomatic experience, a commitment to strengthening Franco-American relations, and a strategic vision shaped by years of public service at the highest levels of government. ?? About the event ?? April 10, 2025 6pm PST ?? Panel & Cocktail (in-person) by invitation only - request your invitation by contacting Lisette Caldera at [email protected] (limited seating) ?? Live Streaming with RSVP in advance?at https://lnkd.in/ejKVnGGY This event, organized by Druven, the BELWEST - Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, underscores our commitment to fostering high-level transatlantic dialogue and advancing strategic business partnerships between the U.S. and Europe. #TransatlanticRelations #GlobalBusiness #InternationalAffairs #Policy #Advocacy #Druven #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #Sustainability #Geopolitics #Trade #Security #US #Europe

In one week, the H-1B electronic registration for FY (Fiscal Year) 2026 closes on March 24, 2025, at 12 PM ET. Employers must ensure their registrations are correctly submitted before the deadline to remain in consideration for the lottery. ?? How Druven Helps: We conduct a final review of all registrations, verifying accuracy and compliance to minimize the risk of errors or disqualification. Our team ensures that your submissions meet all USCIS requirements, avoiding costly mistakes. ?? Important Update: This year’s H-1B selection process follows the beneficiary-centric model, ensuring each candidate has equal chances regardless of multiple registrations. Time is running out. A thorough and compliant registration process is essential for securing key talent. Druven provides expert guidance through every step, ensuring efficiency and compliance. Our service is defined by The Essence of Excellence—precision, care, and unmatched expertise in immigration matters. ?? Ensure your registration is complete—contact us today: [email protected] #H1B #ImmigrationLaw #TalentAcquisition #GlobalWorkforce #LegalExcellence #USCIS #BusinessImmigration #VisaSponsorship #EmploymentLaw #Druven #TheEssenceOfExcellence

We are pleased to welcome Sophie Hottat, Consul General of Belgium in Los Angeles as panel moderator in Keeping an Eye on Europe 2025 conference, April 10th in Los Angeles. ?? About Sophie Hottat Sophie Hottat is a Belgian diplomat, currently serving as Consul general of Belgium in Los Angeles with jurisdiction over 13 States covering the whole West of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. She previously served as Minister counsellor heading the Economic section and Deputy Head of Mission at the Belgian Embassy in Beijing, China, from 2020 to 2023. She gained experience in Trade policy and economic affairs, including World Trade Organization and representing Belgium at the Trade Committee of the OCDE, while at the Headquarter in Belgium, and serving as Deputy head of mission and head of the Economic section at the Belgian Embassy in Brasilia. She also served at the Belgian Embassies in Lisbon and in Canberra. Prior to joining the diplomatic service, Ms. Hottat worked as a scientific expert at the Royal military museum in Brussels, where she curated various exhibitions on NATO, the Belgian Navy during the First World War and several sections of the permanent exhibition on contemporary conflicts, among other things. She holds a master degree in History from the University of Brussels (ULB) and a bachelor degree in History of Arts (VUB) as well as a Complementary Degree in Management (Solvay School – VUB). She is fluent in French, Dutch, English and Portuguese, is married and has two sons. ?? About the event ?? April 10, 2025 6pm PST ?? Panel & Cocktail (in-person) by invitation ?? Live Streaming on RSVP only?at https://lnkd.in/ew3qFyxx ?? Questions? Contact Lisette Caldera at [email protected] This event, organized by Druven, the BELWEST - Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, underscores our commitment to fostering high-level transatlantic dialogue and advancing strategic business partnerships between the U.S. and Europe. #TransatlanticRelations #GlobalBusiness #InternationalAffairs #Policy #Advocacy #Druven #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #Sustainability #Geopolitics #Trade #Security #US #Europe

We are pleased to welcome Mietek Boduszyński, Foreign Policy Advisor and Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at Pomona College as a panelist in Keeping an Eye on Europe 2025 conference, April 10th in Los Angeles. Mieczys?aw (Mietek) Boduszyński is an associate professor of politics and international relations at Pomona College, where he teaches U.S. foreign policy, democracy promotion, and international relations in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans. He previously served as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, specializing in public diplomacy, with postings in Albania, Kosovo, Japan, Egypt, Libya, and Iraq. During the 2022-2023 academic year, he worked at the Pentagon as a policy advisor on civilian protection, war crimes, and accountability in Ukraine. An expert on democratization, post-conflict stabilization, and transitional justice, Boduszyński has published extensively on U.S. foreign policy, including US Democracy Promotion in the Arab World: Beyond Interests vs. Ideals and a book on democratic transitions in the Balkans. He co-authored Research Methods in Politics and International Relations, with a second edition published in 2025. He is now working on a book about foreign policy values in a new age of strategic competition. Boduszyński has served as a foreign policy advisor to the Biden/Harris campaign, a Congressional and Steiger Fellow, and a Truman National Security Project Fellow. He is a member of the Leadership Circle of Foreign Policy for America and the Pacific Council on International Policy. A frequent contributor to Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, Lawfare, and The Washington Post, he also led Pomona’s first traveling seminar on diplomacy and human rights in the Mediterranean. He has held fellowships and visiting professorships at Sciences Po-Paris, the University of Southern California, and institutions in Japan, France, Sweden, and Kazakhstan. In addition to English, he speaks Arabic, Japanese, Serbian-Croatian-Bosnian, Albanian, French, Polish, and basic Korean. ? ?? April 10, 2025 6pm PST ?? Panel & Cocktail (in-person) by invitation ?? Live Streaming on RSVP only?at https://lnkd.in/ew3qFyxx ?? Questions? Contact Lisette Caldera at [email protected] ? ? This event, organized by Druven, the BELWEST - Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, underscores our commitment to fostering high-level transatlantic dialogue and advancing strategic business partnerships between the U.S. and Europe. #TransatlanticRelations #GlobalBusiness #InternationalAffairs #Policy #Advocacy #Druven #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #Sustainability #Geopolitics #Trade #Security #US #Europe

The H-1B electronic registration for FY (Fiscal Year) 2026 opens today, March 7, 2025, at 12 PM ET. This marks the first and most critical step for companies looking to secure highly skilled international talent. ?? How Druven Helps: We assist businesses in assessing eligibility, gathering the necessary information, and ensuring a smooth, compliant registration process. With evolving regulations and strict selection criteria, precision is essential. ?? USCIS recently increased the H-1B registration fee to $215. Employers should account for this update while preparing submissions. Early preparation is key to avoiding delays and maximizing the chances of selection. Druven provides expert guidance through every step, ensuring efficiency and compliance. Our service is defined by The Essence of Excellence—precision, care, and unmatched expertise in immigration matters. ?? Now is the time to act—contact us today to get started: [email protected] #H1B #ImmigrationLaw #TalentAcquisition #GlobalWorkforce #LegalExcellence #USCIS #BusinessImmigration #VisaSponsorship #EmploymentLaw #Druven #TheEssenceOfExcellence

?? Exciting Announcement! ?? We are thrilled to share that Chelsea Byers, Mayor of the City of West Hollywood, will be joining us at our upcoming mixer on March 12th from 6-9pm at the Sunset Marquis Hotel. ?? This is an incredible opportunity for our members to hear from a dynamic leader who has made it her mission to drive impactful change in the vibrant city of West Hollywood. As a member of the City Council since 2022, Mayor Byers’ priorities include: ?? Social service delivery ?? Climate-change mitigation ?? Emergency resiliency ?? Community building and policy implementation for inclusivity ???? We’re incredibly grateful to have her share her insights and updates with our community! At Belwest, powered by our funding member Druven, we are committed to providing #advocacy opportunities for our members—connecting them with influential leaders like Mayor Byers and offering access to high-profile elected officials. ?? Thank you to Mayor Byers for your dedication to international affairs and for helping bridge the connection between Europe and your beautiful city of West Hollywood! ?????? ?? Save the Date: Wednesday, March 12th, 6-9pm ?? Location: Sunset Marquis, 1200 Alta Loma Rd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 ?? RSVP needed: https://lnkd.in/gdgRCz7S Looking forward to seeing you there! ??

?? A Full House, Engaging Discussions, and a Clear Vision for Transatlantic Trade! ?? Last week’s “Transatlantic Trade in Focus: The Impact of the New US Government” event, hosted by EuroCham - Association of American European Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations, and the Bay Area Council & sponsored by EIT Hub Silicon Valley, was a resounding success. The event sold out, drawing an engaged and forward-thinking audience eager to explore the future of EU-US economic relations ???????? ???? A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed panelists for offering invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. While we face an evolving landscape, the key takeaways are clear: ? Businesses, along with state and local leaders, remain steadfast in their commitment to stability and continuity in transatlantic trade. ? Strong bilateral partnerships will be essential to navigating uncertainty. ? Cross-sector and cross-border collaboration will define the future of economic ties. ???? ???? It was also a privilege to see the Belgian and Luxembourg business communities so actively represented, underscoring the importance of European engagement in these critical discussions. ?? For those looking to explore opportunities in Northern California, reach out to our Belwest SF chapter leader, David Hubert. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this vibrant exchange. Let’s keep the momentum going and work together toward a resilient and prosperous transatlantic partnership! ???? European Union Delegation to the United Nations | Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) | Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) | hub.brussels | Luxembourg Trade & Investment Office San Francisco | Druven

The H-1B registration period for FY (Fiscal Year) 2026 runs from March 7 to March 24, 2025. Companies seeking to hire highly skilled international talent must act now to ensure timely and compliant registration. Key Deadlines: ?? March 7, 2025 (12 PM ET) – H-1B Registration Opens ?? How Druven Helps: We assist in assessing eligibility, gathering required information, and ensuring a smooth and compliant registration process. ?? March 24, 2025 (12 PM ET) – Registration Closes ?? How Druven Helps: We verify all submissions before the deadline, ensuring accuracy and minimizing risks of rejection due to incomplete or incorrect filings. ?? By March 31, 2025 – USCIS Announces Selected Registrants ?? How Druven Helps: If selected, we guide businesses through the next steps, including petition preparation, compliance with evolving regulations, and meeting filing deadlines. ?? April 1 – June 30, 2025 – Filing Period for Selected Petitions ?? How Druven Helps: We manage the entire filing process, ensuring proper documentation, adherence to USCIS requirements, and timely submission to maximize approval chances. With evolving regulations and the beneficiary-centric selection process, early planning is critical to securing key talent. Druven provides expert guidance through every step, ensuring efficiency and compliance. Our service is defined by The Essence of Excellence—precision, care, and unmatched expertise in immigration matters. ?? Don’t wait—contact us today to get started: [email protected] #H1B #ImmigrationLaw #TalentAcquisition #GlobalWorkforce #LegalExcellence #USCIS #BusinessImmigration #VisaSponsorship #EmploymentLaw #Druven #TheEssenceOfExcellence