Transatlantic Cooperation

The transatlantic community represents the foundation of world’s wealth and security. The very size of the transatlantic economy (60% of world GDP and 40% of world trade) grants the US and the EU a privileged position to design and implement measures leading to economic growth, while setting the standard in labor rights and environmental protection. Yet great opportunities also entail great duties. As the bedrock of world’s stability, the transatlantic community answered to the timeless need for security by proposing a historically unique alliance. NATO places at the core of its defense framework “ the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.”

The EU-US contacts form a complicated web of institutional contacts and grassroots efforts. High-level relations, such as the US-EU summits, reflect the need to provide leadership and guidance to deeper integration. The fact both Democratic and Republican administrations valued highly these meetings is an indication of the consensus across the American political spectrum to expand relations with the EU. At the same time, bottom-up efforts to shape the transatlantic agenda have brought to the fore business leaders, union representatives, and world-renowned scholars. The “transatlantic dialogues” that were thus commenced provided valuable input and made sure that political decisions enjoyed the backing of the relevant social groups.

1. High-level contacts. The US-EU Summits
2. The Transatlantic Dialogues
3. Improving Higher Education and Training
4. The EU Centers in the US
5. The Transatlantic Economic Council
6. The EU Caucus