Dutko Worldwide Hails Countries’ Invitations to Join U.S. Visa Waiver Program : 10-16-2008 WASHINGTON, DC – Dutko Worldwide today hailed the invitation extended by the White House to the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia to join the United States Visa Waiver Program. The Bush Administration also committed to continue the process of program expansion for Poland and Romania. “Dutko Worldwide is proud to have been afforded the opportunity to support this important cause,” said Sally Painter, Managing Director of Dutko Global Advisors. “The successful expansion and modernization of the Visa Waiver Program was the result of a bipartisan, coordinated strategy, a substantive policy approach, and persistent effort. I congratulate the governments and the citizens of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia on this achievement and I look forward to the eventual invitation to Poland and Romania to join the program.” In early 2007, the Coalition for Visa Equity—comprised of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia—retained Dutko Worldwide to implement a comprehensive government affairs strategy aimed at creating favorable conditions for their accession to the program. As long-time advocates of the transatlantic relationship and proud supporters of the EU and NATO bids of these countries, Dutko Worldwide was honored to have been chosen from among several leading firms to coordinate this joint effort. “The extension of the Visa Waiver Program was made possible through the close cooperation of the Visa Coalition countries, with the European Union working in concert with the U.S. Government and with the significant contribution from Dutko Worldwide,” said Dr. Ferenc Somogyi, Ambassador of Hungary to the U.S. “We have enough reason to celebrate, but our work is not yet finished: we will continue our partnership to facilitate the accession of other EU member states who are yet to become part of the VWP.” View Article » Learn more about Dutko's 'European Commission & EU: Policy & Practice' Team. »