Activites

• 2003/07/31 Final act published in Official Journal
• 2002/05/15 Debate in Parliament
  • Debate in Parliament
  • T5-0243/2002 summary

    The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Transatlantic relationship, drafted by James ELLES (EPP-ED, United Kingdom). (Please refer to the document dated 23/04/02.) Parliament acknowledged the depth of emotions caused by the events on September 11, but stated that the attacks had nothing to do with either the so-called clash of civilisations nor with a single act of terrorism, but rather with a conflict aimed at undermining open societies, which makes it indispensable to reinforce ties between the EU and US. International terrorism must be combated not only by military means but by addressing the roots of the tremendous political, social, economic and ecological problems of today's world. Parliament notes the importance of the concept of linkage, whereby aspects of economic, political and security policy are tied closely together. Closer institutional relations between NATO and the EU are needed in order to make them both stronger. Parliament expressed its concern about the very different approaches to the issue of collective security that seem to exist on both sides of the Atlantic. Priority must be given to important security topics such as non-proliferation of weapons of mass-destruction, missile defence systems and the role of the UN, and the Security Council in particular. The strongest terms were use to express Parliament's disapproval of the USA's unsigning of the Treaty establishing the International Criminal Court. Members noted the dramatic difference in "value for money" between EU defence spending and that of the US. This can only be overcome by courageous steps in the field of arms procurement. Balanced cooperation between the EU and the USA in the field of external relations is vital to solve the major conflicts in the world. Parliament welcomes the positive results of joint post-war actions in the Balkans. The Israel-Palestine conflict does require an active approach of both translantic partners working closely together. On economic and trade relations, Parliament strongly condemned the unilateral measures taken by the US in the case of steel, as well as the recent decision to approve a huge increase in agricultural subsidies in breach of the commitments made at Doha in 2001. This action will undermine WTO negotiations, with appalling consequences for world trade and for sustainable development and export prospects for developing countries. A number of suggestions are made for an update of the TEP. There are suggestions for a renewed transatlantic partnership, where the pursuit of common global interests act as the central defining political purpose of the transatlantic partnership. Finally, Parliament calls for an end to the embargo against Cuba, and the rescinding of the extra-territorial "Helms-Burton" law.�

• 2002/04/23 Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
  • A5-0148/2002
• #2411
• 2002/02/28 Council Meeting
  • 2411
• 2001/09/03 Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
• #2346
• 2001/05/14 Council Meeting
• #2342
• 2001/04/09 Council Meeting
  • 2342
• 2001/03/20 Non-legislative basic document published
  • COM(2001)0154 summary

    PURPOSE : to assess the New Transatlantic Agenda and offer proposals to reinforce EU-US co-operation. CONTENT : In 1995 the New Transatlantic Agenda (NTA) extended EU-US co-operation beyond questions of EC core competence to the full range of political and economic issues, thus recognising the growing role of the EU as an international actor. At the outset of a new US administration, we need to assess this partnership. Many of the objectives set out in 1995 have been achieved, but there have been difficulties in setting priorities to ensure a focused and sustained co-operation. The six-monthly cycle of EU-US summits and ministerial meetings has not developed its full potential. No amount of strategic planning can guarantee fewer disputes or deeper co-operation. Although trade relations are generally harmonious, there will always be some disputes, but they must be managed and kept in perspective. EU-US leadership on new global challenges is necessary if international action is to have any impact on issues such as organised crime, spread of infectious diseases or the proliferation of weapons. European Security and Defence Policy and the Euro will also bring new challenges. Summits should concentrate on the most important challenges - strategic themes- facing the EU and US. Possible themes could be emerging security challenges, globalisation and the multilateral trading system, the fight against organised crime, energy issues, consumer protection, macroeconomic issues, the fight against poverty in developing countries and the digital economy. The bi-annual summits should be slimmed down reverting to the original format of a restricted leaders meeting. The US has formally mentioned the need to review the format and frequency of summits. A reduction in the number could have a knock-on effect on other high level meetings with third countries. Fewer meetings, better prepared might be more productive. It is necessary to ensure that the political leadership exercises close control of a process that risks becoming too bureaucratic and cumbersome. Strong political leadership is needed to set a co-operative agenda and to garner the true potential of transatlantic co-operation. �

  • DG ['External Relations'],

Documents

• Non-legislative basic document published: COM(2001)0154
• Debate in Council: 2342
• Debate in Council: 2411
• Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading: A5-0148/2002
• Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
• Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T5-0243/2002

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)