News Releases

Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Press Release
US President George W. Bush Visits the European Union

Date of release : 22-02-2005
Policy Area : General Affairs and External Relations
Event : EU-US Leaders' Meeting

The Luxembourg Prime Minister and current President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, presided over the summit meeting between the 25 heads of state and government of the Member States of the European Union and US President George W. Bush.

At the same time, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration and current President of the Council of the European Union, Jean Asselborn, presided over the meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the European Union with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

This summit meeting was held to enable the participants to review the main dossiers on international politics (the Middle East, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, the Barcelona Process, the Balkans, Russia and Ukraine) and on issues of economic and ecological interest (the fight against poverty and problems relating to climate change).

With regard to Iraq, the European Union and the United States confirmed their commitment to this country’s future and, to this end, decided to organise a joint international conference in order to establish a forum for promoting and coordinating international relief aid to Iraq.

The European Union and the United States also reaffirmed their commitment to the transatlantic partnership, which they described as "irreplacable and vital" to meeting current and future challenges effectively. Against this background, the two parties agree that a strong and united Europe will strengthen this strategic partnership between the European Union and the United States.

At a press conference, Jean-Claude Juncker said that he was "happy" about President Bush’s visit, which "demonstrates the importance he attaches to transatlantic relations and to the European Union."

Jean-Claude Juncker stated that if the United States and Europeans work together, "we can make a difference, because we have the necessary strength, means and legitimacy."

President Juncker underlined that Europeans and Americans "share the same ambitions for the world", and cited the fight against terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the fight against poverty and underdevelopment.

During the morning of 22 February 2005, Jean-Claude Juncker and Jean Asselborn, together with the Minister for Defence Luc Frieden, took part in the NATO Summit, which brought together the heads of state and government of the 26 member countries of the Atlantic Alliance.

Within the framework of the two meetings, Jean-Claude Juncker held talks with the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. The discussions mainly revolved around prospects for Ukraine following the "Orange Revolution."