EU/US Relations
“The relationship between the United States and Europe constitutes
the world’s strongest, most comprehensive and strategically most
important partnership.” European Commission President
Barroso
(pictured, extreme right), Brussels, 9 February 2005.
“Today, security and justice and prosperity for our world depend
on America and Europe working in common purpose. That makes our transatlantic
ties as vital as they have ever been.” US President Bush,
19 February 2005.
As the two greatest powers on the world scene, the relationship between
the EU and the US is central and irreplaceable. It has a long, mutually
beneficial history based on shared and strong fundamental beliefs in democratic
government, human rights and market economies.
Since its very inception, the process of European Integration has been
strongly supported by the US. Without US vision and assistance, the European
founding fathers would have had enormous difficulties. That support still
exists. During his visit to Europe in February 2005, President Bush stated:
“My government and the United States want the European project
to succeed. It's in our interests that Europe be strong (…). It's
in our interests because the values that caused the European Union to
exist in the first place -- the values of human rights and human dignity
and freedom -- are the same values we share. And we have an opportunity
to work together to spread those values.”
Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic believe that the relationship is
valuable at all levels -- for European and American business, civil societies
and citizens -- and that it is the task of governments to promote the
building of bridges across the Atlantic. Its importance is reflected in
trade relations, the fight against terrorism and the handling of crisis
and conflicts.
This joint commitment of the EU and the US has found clear expression
in the New Transatlantic Agenda of 1995 and the Transatlantic Economic
Partnership of 1998. This partnership was further reinforced at the EU-US
Summit of 2002 through the launching of a “Positive Economic Agenda.”
Bilateral trade between the EU and US amounts to over $1 billion a day;
investment links are even more substantial, totaling over $1.8 trillion
a year. Each partner creates jobs for about 6 million workers on each
side of the Atlantic, and EU-US trade accounts for almost 40% of world
trade. But the EU-US economic partnership goes way beyond pure trade matters:
it is supported by a number of institutionalized dialogues and regulatory
cooperation between the partners.
Through continued dialogue and cooperation the EU and US also work together
to promote global peace, stability and democracy.
On a global level, the EU and US are major powers and as such have a
global responsibility. Exercising that power and responsibility effectively
inevitably means working together. In that respect the EU and US are jointly
promoting democracy, freedom, stability and prosperity throughout the
world. Whether it is in the Middle East, Afghanistan or the Balkans, Europe
and the US can only succeed in advancing these values if they act together.
Together the EU and US are committed to the challenge of alleviating poverty
and disease and provide almost 80% of global development assistance.
To respond to global threats and protect their citizens, intensive EU-US
discussions have taken place since 9/11 which have yielded strengthened
cooperation and coordination in the fields of counter-terrorism and domestic
security. As a result, an Enhanced Security Dialogue on transport and
border security was established in 1994, yet another example of the willingness
to tackle challenges together.
“For myself, I am totally committed to working closely with the
new US Administration to achieve our common objectives, an indeed firmly
believe that the realization of these objectives will only be possible
through such a close cooperation.” Commissioner for
External
Relations and European
Neighborhood Policy,
Benita Ferrero-Waldner,
Brussels, 3 December 2004.
Agendas,
Dialogues & Summits
Agreements
EU/US Facts &
Figures
Key
Websites
