Dirk H. Kranen has more than 25 years of responsible management experience in the public and international sectors as well as profound insights into German European policy and European integration issues. After completing his studies in Cologne, the graduate economist held numerous important positions during his career, including personal advisor to the German Finance Minister Theo Waigel, speechwriter and economic advisor to the German Federal President Horst Köhler, as well as Senior Advisor to the International Monetary Fund for many years and financial advisor to the international organisations in Geneva. During the German G8 presidency, he organised a high-level G8 meeting on the subject of remittances. During his time at the Federal Ministry of Finance, he was actively involved in shaping parliamentary oversight of the European Stability Mechanism, among other things. Before moving to Washington, D.C. in August 2024 as Head of the Finance Division in the German Embassy, Dirk H. Kranen was Head of Division in the European Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance. He also taught European and international management for several years as a lecturer at the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft (htw) and the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin. As an eyewitness to significant milestones in European integration, particularly in the area of monetary and economic union as well as European integration and disintegration (Brexit), Dirk H. Kranen has a comprehensive understanding of current and past negotiation processes. His extensive knowledge of European negotiation processes makes Dirk H. Kranen a much sought-after guest speaker. In his lectures, he offers a first-hand insight into the ongoing decision-making processes, provides insights into the development of the European economy and the challenges of ecological transformation. Decision-makers in the financial sector greatly appreciate his expertise on current economic and financial issues. Dirk H. Kranen is an outstanding speaker who presents complex topics in a clear and understandable way. His presentations are praised and recommended as humorous and to the point.