FGV president goes to Germany to promote institution’s expansion in country

The president of Fundação Getulio Vargas, Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, recently had a series of meetings in Europe, together with FGV Europe, seeking to expand the institution’s activities on the continent.

During his trip, Professor Leal visited FGV Europe’s new main office in the city of Cologne, which was opened in April 2024. His visit highlighted FGV’s commitment to expanding its global reach and strengthening its presence in Europe. Professor Antonio Maristrello Porto, the vice dean of the FGV Rio de Janeiro Law School, also took part in the tour.

The new office symbolizes FGV’s dedication to fostering international partnerships and enhancing academic and research collaboration across continents. Leal emphasized the importance of innovation and the exchange of knowledge and highlighted FGV’s renowned academic heritage and excellence in education.

In honor of the FGV president’s visit and to commemorate the long-standing partnership between FGV and the city government of Cologne, Professor Leal, FGV Europe director Cesar Cunha Campos and FGV Europe manager Mariana Fleischhauer attended a distinguished reception in Cologne’s historic city hall, hosted by Mayor Henriette Reker.

During the event, Mayor Reker stressed Cologne’s dedication to promoting connections that transcend borders, reflecting the spirit of openness and collaboration that defines both institutions. The main topics discussed included opportunities for joint research initiatives, international exchange programs and cultural projects aimed at deepening mutual understanding between Germany and Brazil.

In Brussels, Leal and Cesar Cunha Campos attended a plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions and a meeting featuring several members of Baden-Württemberg’s representation in Europe. They also met with various specialists at the European Commission, including Brian Glynn, director for Latin America at the European External Action Service, and Henrik Hololei, head of international partnerships.

This meeting provided an excellent opportunity to bring together speakers and public officials ahead of a seminar called “The EU-Brazil Partnership for the Green Energy Transition: Fostering Trade and Investments in Net-Zero Projects,” which is being organized by FGV Europe, the FGV Rio de Janeiro Law School and the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), with the support of Brazilian law firm Mattos Filho.

The meeting addressed the importance of integration between Brazil and the European Union to face future challenges involving the green energy transition. You can watch a recording of this event on YouTube by clicking here.