AAPA Gears Up for COP21 Climate Change Conference

Celine Ramstein 1-edited-1_edited-1 AAPA members now know the who, what, where, when and why of the upcoming COP21 conference on climate change thanks to a briefing on Nov. 3…


AAPA Gets the Story behind France's Unique Unicorn

France has become a much more fertile ground for creating start-up companies, the youthful and dynamic head of French ride-sharing company BlaBlaCar told a group of 15 AAPA members on Oct. 9. Speaking to us at a lively breakfast meeting at the BlaBla Bistro in his company’s Paris HQ, Frédéric Mazzella, explained how he got the idea for his company in 2003 when he noticed how few cars travelling…


Hollande’s Diplomatic Advisor Meets the AAPA

A group of AAPA journalists were given a rare opportunity last October 6 to meet with Jacques Audibert, France’s top diplomatic advisor to President Francois Hollande. Audib. page 2 DSC_5691 copy In the…


France to Push Through Health Service Reforms

France’s national health service may be one of the best in the world, but it urgently needs reform to make it more efficient and less costly, Marisol Touraine, Minister of Social Affairs, Health and Women's…


Annual Gala Reflects Thriving AAPA

Nearly 100 AAPA members and their guests had reason to cheer when they gathered for our annual Gala garden party – traditionally our most prestigious and well-attended event - on June 10. Once again, we were…


Minister Warns on Militant Secularism in Schools

  France must avoid being overly dogmatic in the interpretation of rules separating church and state, and “militant secularism” of the kind that bars mothers with headscarves volunteering on school outings…


Eurozone’s Greek Strategy Is Flawed: Piketty

It would be a catastrophe for the Eurozone if Greece were pushed out," Thomas Piketty, France's 'super economist' told over 30 members of the AAPA, as it would "spell the beginning of the end for the…


Former AAPA Member William Pfaff Dies

William Pfaff, an international affairs columnist and outspoken critic of the foreign policies of the U.S. and other nations, has died in a Parisian hospital on April 30 at the age of 86. The cause of death was a heart attack, following a fall. A former member of the AAPA, Mr. Pfaff moved to Paris in 1971 and wrote a syndicated column that appeared for more than 25 years in the International…


Helping in Trouble Spots Carries Risks, Fabius Says

France is eager to help out in the world’s trouble spots, but there’s also a risk that a big Western power coming to the aid of the citizens of a foreign country can actually aggravate a situation, French…


Philharmonie Seeks to Break Down Social Barriers

  AAPA members enjoyed a rare privilege on March 25 when they visited the Philharmonie de Paris, the city’s brand-new classical music concert hall.   Located in the north east of Paris near the…