The Streit Council works toward better-organized cooperation between the US and Europe, along with other OECD democracies. Weaving academic research with policy work, the Streit Council provides a non-partisan forum where policymakers and scholars explore new approaches to inter-democracy relations and their impact on global stability.

The Streit Council also publishes a journal, Freedom & Union

What's New:

Transatlantic Relations News

"G8 Nations Fail to Meet Climate Change Promises, Report Says"
3 July 2008 - Deutsche Welle
A study was released criticizing G8 member countries of failing to reduce greenhouse carbon emissions which are linked to global climate change.  The study author Niklas Hoehne stated "None of the eight leading industrial nations have taken sufficient measures needed to be considered in line with the target to limit a worldwide increase in temperatures to 2 degrees centigrade".  Though there has been much discussion over reducing greenhouse carbon emissions, G8 members have been unable to formalize a specific agreement.  Regine Günther, head of climate change policy at the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) in Germany stated, "The world is at a crossroads where decisive action now could translate into economic success."  The study encouraged leaders to reach an agreement at next week's G8 leaders summit in Japan. (Read More).

President Basescu: 2009 NATO Summit to Strengthen Transatlantic Relations
2 July 2008 - finianciarul.ro
At a conference in Brussels, Romanian president Traian Basescu announced that he expects the upcoming NATO summit to serve as "a catalyst for transatlantic cooperation."  He stated that he expects NATO to contribute to "intensifying"  relations between the U.S. and the European Union.  President Basescu also said that he expects French leadership of the E.U. to lead to "significant developments as regards the harmonization of security approaches" and that strengthening Euro-Atlantic and international peace and security requires compatible E.U. and NATO policies. (Read More).

"GAMA Welcomes US-Europe Bilateral Agreement on Aviation Safety
1 July 2008 - AMT
On June 30 2008, a US-European Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement was signed between the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), enhancing "air safety while reducing regulatory burdens and costs for manufacturers, operators and aviation authorities in the U.S. and Europe". This agreement fosters cooperation in areas such as "aircraft certification, environmental approvals, and maintenance". Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association stated, "We view this strategic partnership between the U.S. and the European Community as a real milestone that will advance our shared safety visions. The relationship between the U.S. and Europe has proven its resilience and continued transatlantic cooperation will increase efficiency and help bring new products to the global market more expeditiously. It's good for aviation safety and business, it's good for Europe, and it's good for the United States." (Read More).

"U.S.-EU Private Data Sharing Agreement at Hand"
28 June 2008 - AFP
Negotiations are ongoing over allowing the United States and the European Union to share private information on their citizens including "credit card information, travel history and internet browsing information".  One of the unsettled issue concerns granting EU citizens the right to sue the United States government for violating the US Privacy Act (currently protecting only US citizens), a statute the Bush administration opposes.  However, the agreement is likely to be signed before the end of President Bush's term. (Read More).

U.S.-EU May Align on Private Data
28 June 2008 - New York Times
The United States and the European Union may soon complete an agreement permitting law enforcement and security agencies on both sides of the Atlantic to transfer and share private information, such as credit card transactions, travel history and internet habits.  European laws are generally stricter about what sort of personal information governments are allowed to gather, and certain portions of the pact are still under negotiation.  Talks for the agreement resulted after conflict regarding information sharing arose following the September 11 terrorist attacks.  Some experts predict the law could be revolutionary, stating "such a blanket agreement could transform international privacy law by eliminating a problem that has led to negotiations of 'staggering' complexity between Europe and the United States." (Read More).

After Kyoto: "Narrowing the Transatlantic Climate Divide"
26 June 2008 - Euractive.com -Nigel Purvis
With the Bush Administration reluctant to form an agreement with Europe or Japan on climate change in the upcoming G8 summit, Nigel Purvis of the German Marshall fund argues that a framework for "post-Kyoto" emissions reduction needs to be engineered now.  The need to start a global pact on climate change before the next administration will help ensure that when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, a new agreement will continue its work at curbing greenhouse gases without interruption.  In response to the U.S.'s proposal to allow an increased output of emissions until 2025, Purvis said "all major emitting nations should make quantitative and legally binding commitments to mitigate their emissions significantly by 2020. Developed nations should commit to quantitative, legally binding and fixed national emission targets." (Read More). 

Blair Urges G8 2050 Climate Pact
27 June 2008 - Reuters -Chisa Fujioka
As a delegate of the Climate Group, a non-profit, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced in Tokyo today that the G8 members should cut carbon emissions in half by 2050.  Despite this long-term goal he did not provide a mid-term plan for the G8. However, his proposed solution to heavy carbon consumption would be to encourage more nuclear power stating that "there is going to be a renaissance in nuclear power, partly to do for reasons with climate change, and partly to do for reasons with energy security," despite a limited capacity of "expertise to develop nuclear power" to meet energy demands. (Read More).

New Pact Would Give EU Citizens' Date to US
30 June 2008 - The Guardian - Ian Traynor.
In an effort to fight the War on Terror, European and US officials are working on an agreement to allow US authorities to have "access to the credit card histories, banking details and travel habits of Europeans."  The talks have occurred for the past year and a half under the supervision of "Stewart Baker on the US side and Jonathan Faull, a Briton responsible for justice and home affairs in the [European] Commission" Other proposals in the works are introducing "armed guards on flights from Europe to the US," and a "electronic travel authorisation system where travellers to the US would need to apply online for permission to fly before buying a ticket." (Read More).

Review of John McClintock The Uniting of Nations: An Essay on Global Governance
John McClintock The Uniting of Nations: An Essay on Global Governance (New York: P.I.E. Peter Lang Publishers, 2007), 281pp.
This book, published in 2007 by an official of the European Commission with extensive work internationally, provides a compelling philosophy and blueprint for an idea with a long history: a full-fledged union of democracies. McClintock believes that the European Union offers a lesson for the development of this new union. Principally, he sees advantages in the way the EU slowly developed, first as the post-World War II Coal and Steel Community, and then as a broader and closer-managed political and economic organization. For a global union, he sees several principles which must be involved. First is the gradualism of the EU model. Second is inclusiveness: all nations should potentially be able  to become members. The third is Voluntary Membership: all nations should be free  from coercion into membership, and should suffer no negative effects from non-membership; membership should also be subjected to a national referendum  in each nation. The last principle is obviously a shared commitment to democratic forms of government. As to the form, he sees  the Union as being made of a series of regional unions of democracies. Thus,  the Union itself would only have about 15-20 members, one seat for each specific region of the global (i.e. one for the EU, one for a purported South American Union of Democracies, etc.). This is an effective work in generating ideas and debate, and the author is well-grounded in his arguments. He also has a decent respect for the lessons of history: "The past can teach us lessons which we must never, ever forget. It can inform us of what works and what does not work. But we cannot allow it to fetter our imagination of the future" (11).

"France in Libya Talks over Mediterranean Union Plans"
AFP - 26 June 2008
"A senior French envoy held talks with Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi on Thursday over plans for a Mediterranean bloc based on the European Union that have drawn criticism from Tripoli".  The French initiative has been highly criticized by Kadhafi, viewing it as a threat to Arab and African unity.  He stated, "Our European partners need to understand that. We are in favour of partnership projects but they must take account of these red lines".  However, France continues to plan for a political summit in July to discuss the idea. (Read More).

"Western Democracies Should Work Together"
Jack Martin, Kansas City Star - 23 June 2008
Given the vast number of overlapping problems and shared values between the United States and Europe, now is opportune time to form a strong trans-Atlantic relationship.  Such a point was elucidated during a recent conference organized by the German Marshall Fund of the U.S. and the German Ministry of Defense bringing together different policy and security officials. Facing issues such as global warming, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation, "the democracies of the West cannot hope to be successful without working together." (Read More).

EU Visit to US to Strengthen Cooperation in Non-Nuclear Energy Research is a Success
Business Wire.com - 23 June 2008
"During the recent visit to the US by a delegation of European Commission officials led by Director for the Energy Program at DG Research, Mr. Raffaele Liberali, the European Union and the United States agreed to strengthen co-operation in the area of non-nuclear energy research on the basis of common interest and mutual benefit under the EU-US Science and Technology Co-operation Agreement."  This visit was crucial to foster a strong relationship between the United Sates and the EU to work together to develop new energy technology. (Read More).

Editorial Defends McCain's League of Democracies
Jackson Diehl, "A 'League' by Other Names" The Washington Post 19 May 2008
Diehl, Deputy Editorial Page Editor, argues that Arizona Senator and Republican Presidential nominee John McCain's plans for an international League of Democracies could serve as an effective body when the U.N. Security Council finds itself stalemated. Diehl explains that the general concept has been commented on approvingly by foreign policy advisers on both sides of the aisle. These include academics G. John Ikenberry, Robert Kagan, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, practitioners such as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and National Security Adviser Anthony Lake. The new body, once instituted, could confer legitimacy on a wide variety of foreign operations, especially humanitarian interventions, which have been hitherto blocked by non-democratic members of the United Nations. These calls are highlighted by the failure of the international community to act with consensus towards Iran, Darfur, and Myanmar (Burma). By embracing this idea, Diehl believes that whoever is President in 2009 will have a "practical idea" to "take on global crises." (Read More).

"Bush Leaves A Robust Alliance, After All"
10 June 2008 - Wall Street Journal - Matthew Kaminski
As President Bush leaves office, relations between the United States and Europe are as "robust and healthy as at any time in the post-Cold War period".  Currently, pro-American governments are in power across Europe including London, Rome, and Berlin.  According to a senior European Union foreign policy adviser "trans-Atlantic relations are rather good at the moment".  This is clearly evident in France where its president has pushed for increased relations between France, NATO, and the United States. (Read More).

"In Defense Policy, France Turns to U.S. and Europe"
17 June 2008 - New York Times
Recently, France has publicly announced the abandonment of its longstanding tradition of "moral and military self sufficiency". Instead, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has chosen to play a more active role with NATO and the United States.  Such behavior continues a shift of French military attitude, from a traditional army to a more mobile military equipped to combat the War on Terrorism.  However, the French president stated that such a move would only occur if the EU would operate more independently of the United States.  One official stated, "We see the trans-Atlantic relationship as a key to European security and French security." (Read More).

"Russia: Medvedev, Putin Launch 'Two-Headed' Foreign Policy: But Who's Winning?"
6 June 2008 - Radio Free Europe/Liberty - Brian Whitmore
Newly elected Russian president Dmitry Medvedev criticized the expansion of NATO and the growing influence of the West.  He recently stated in Berlin, "I'm confident that Atlanticism as the only principle has become obsolete historically. Now, we should talk about the unity of the entire Euro-Atlantic region from Vancouver to Vladivostok."  Such rhetoric demonstrates Russia's dissatisfaction with the advantaged role that the United States possesses and Russia lacks.  Though stating that he was "concerned about the current trend of narrowing mutual understanding in Euro-Atlantic policies", he did recognize current attempts to bridge relations between Russia and the European Union. (Read More).

"Obama, McCain, and Europe"
18 June 2008 - Turkish Daily News - Marco Vincenzino
There is much anticipation in Europe regarding the election of a new American president and his influence on transatlantic relations.  However, it is important to recognize that both candidates will have difficulties overcoming the divide in attitude of Europeans and Americans regarding diplomacy and economics.  Yet the next president's "competence, experience, and ability to delegate authority to qualified advisers and work skillfully with allies in Europe and elsewhere cannot only alter the course of U.S. foreign policy, but help shape a new global paradigm and geopolitical architecture for the 21st century".  To confront the global problems of the 21^st century, the next president cannot act unilaterally and must work together with other countries. (Read More).

"U.S. Welcoms French Re-Integration into NATO"
17 June 2008 - Earth Times
The United States has commended France's recent decision to reintegrate into NATO's command structure after withdrawing over 40 years ago.  State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey stated, "We very much have always appreciated France's role in the alliance, but full reintegration of France into the NATO military command structure has been a goal for many for a long time, and (we are) certainly pleased to see it happen." (Read More).

Analysis: All Change in U.S. - EU Ties?
16 June 2008 - BBC News - Jonathan Marcus
As President Bush's second term draws to a close, the relations between Europe and America are entering a period of transition.  The bitter tensions that resulted from the US-led invasion of Iraq have begun to ease, and more Atlanticist leaders in France and Germany, two countries that had been especially hostile to the war, have contributed toward improving relations.  President Bush has also softened his style.  Though he continues to defend his policies, he has stated he regrets the impact of his pre-war rhetoric.  In addition, many in Europe see the upcoming presidential election as a way to rehabilitate America's reputation.  "For many analysts it has become commonplace to assert that all will be different once President Bush leaves office.  Some believe a new era of America multilateralism will dissolve once and for all the tension of the recent past."  American concerns that Europe might turn into a rival power are unfounded, as the rejection of the Lisbon treaty proves that Europe is too "obsessed with its on internal issues, and a larger EU is inevitably going to be less coherent abroad." (Read More).

"Bush Calls for a Unity of Purpose"
14 June 2008 - Washington Post
President Bush announced that Western nations must unite to help rebuild the Middle East in the same way the United States came to the aid of post-War Europe.  In a speech intended to be the centerpiece of his 8-day tour of Europe, the President declared: "The rise of free and prosperous societies in the broader Middle East is essential to peace in the 21st century, just as the rise of a free and prosperous Europe was essential to peace in the 20th century." President Bush made the speech in front of an audience gathered to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Marshall Plan.  In addition, "Bush proclaimed the start of a new era of cooperation between Europe and the United States.  'Unity is taking hold after years of transatlantic discord over the Iraq war, global warming and other issues', he said."  Throughout the President's trip, U.S. officials have been attempting to raise pledges to aid the struggling pro-Western Afghan government. (Read More)

G8 and Other Energy Minister Propose an International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation
12 June 2008 - Sustainable Business - Kevin Eber
In order to increase energy efficiency world-wide, energy ministers from China, India, South Korea, and members of the G8 made a declaration stating that they would create an International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC).  The partnership intends to promote energy efficiency by providing a forum to communicate ways to implement and research energy efficiency. The partnership is to take effect before the beginning of 2009.  Beyond just a forum, the IPEEC would sponsor "public-private partnerships for improving energy efficiency, participate in joint research and development efforts, and facilitate the dissemination of energy-related products and services.'' In addition to controlling climate change, a report by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found "that a 20% efficiency gain in the U.S. economy by 2030 could provide an estimated 800,000 net jobs while contributing to a slight increase in the nation's gross domestic product." (Read More).

EU-US Summit Issues Transatlantic Declaration
11 June 2008 - eGov Monitor
In today's  EU-US Summit in Slovenia, leaders of the EU and US discussed several important  issues concerning strengthening a transatlantic partnership in addition to issuing a Joint Declaration. There was mutual agreement over increasing transatlantic ties, and "coordinated cooperation in addressing regional and  global issues." Other topics in discussion were the Visa Waiver Program  which would foster more travel to the US, the Aviation Agreement, an agreement  to reduce the barriers in air transport, and how to work within the UN framework for climate change. Progress of the Transatlantic Economic Council was also reviewed in a report presented by both American and European officials. (Read More).

European Leaders Back Bush on Iran
11 June 2008 - New York Times
The European Union decided to join President Bush in considering additional punitive sanctions against Iran if Iran rejects an incentive package aimed at suspending its uranium enrichment program.  The potential sanctions include restrictions on its banks.  Iran was a key topic during the EU-US summit meeting held in Slovenia.  In a joint statement, the United States and the EU urged Iran to "comply with its international obligations concerning its nuclear activities," and reaffirmed their commitment to a "dual-track strategy."  Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, will travel to Tehran this weekend to introduce the new incentive package. (Read More)

Minister Rupel Presents the EU-US Summit in the European Parliament
26 April 2008 - EU Business Ltd.
Discussing the 2008 EU-US Summit, Slovenian Minister Dimitrij Rupel said the result of work between the United States and the European Union has "global effects" and that the "Transatlantic Partnership has gone far beyond its economic dimensions." During the summit, heads of state will discuss issues such as the Middle East Peace Process, the Western Balkans, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Iran.  Climate change, energy, the negotiations within the WTO, development, global health and security, free trade and the free movement will also serve as subjects of discussion. The Summit will also see the first presentation of the Progress Report of the Transatlantic Economic Council, first established at the 2007 EU-US Summit.  Throughout its presidency, Slovenia has also sought to establish new air traffic safety agreements and visa waiver programmes. (Read More).

Merkel Urges Cuts in Trade Barriers Ahead of Bush Visit
9 June 2008 - EU Business Ltd.
In a column for the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, called for further reduction of transatlantic trade barriers, and the standardization of safety and product regulations. This column comes in anticipation of what will most likely be President Bush's final European visit while in office. Among the reforms she advocated for was the harmonization of automobile safety standards, which the article states "could cut production costs by seven percent."  Merkel also stated that liberalized transatlantic trade and investment would improve "economic growth by three percent" according to a study by the OECD. In regards to the EU's ban on US poultry, she urged for compromise, and declared that the US proposal to scan all incoming shipping containers needed to "balance security concerns and business interests." (Read More).

U.S., EU Agree on Joint Inspections Program