US-Europe World Affairs

Transatlantic-Relations

March 9th, on his first Official trip, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk travelled to Washington DC to meet with President Obama and the U.S Congress for highlighting the importance of Transatlantic Partnerships, and to discuss various global crisis that are posing threats to the U.S and European Values, Security and Prosperity alike.
The two Leader also discuss the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), Climate Changes, Energy Security, and the Fight against terrorism.

Welcoming President Tusk President Obama emphasized also the multifaceted deep partnerships between U.S-Europe and concluded by saying: 
                “Transatlantic Unity is as strong as it’s ever been.”

 President Obama during his meeting with the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, Washington DC 9 March 2015 ©Delegation of the European Union to the USA

Press statement by President Donald Tusk on the importance of US-European Partnerships and Unity.

Good afternoon.
First let me thank President Obama for inviting me, in my new role as President of the European Council, to Washington. Thank you, Mr. President.

We have much to discuss, however I would like to pay special attention to three topics, namely the critical relations with Russia in the context of Ukraine, the threat of terrorism and actions of the so-called Islamic State in the context of Libya, and lastly, our negotiations on TTIP, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Although these are three very different challenges, they have a common denominator, the need – maybe greater than ever before – for unity of Europe and the United States.
We are witnessing today the calling into question, attacking even of our fundamental values, freedom, prosperity, liberal democracy and geopolitical order. Our enemies who use propaganda, commit acts of violence and violate the sovereignty of our Neighbours want to weaken the political community of the Western world.

Today we can see with full clarity that they are trying to divide us, inside of Europe as well as Europe and America. But when we are united, we will be able to put a stop to the aggressive policy of Russia against her neighbours. The past has shown that when we were united, we were able to successfully fight against terrorism.

And also thanks to the fact that we have acted together in the field of liberal economy and free trade, we achieved success.
When it comes to TTIP, getting agreement will not be as difficult as people think. Of course the result of the negotiations must be balanced and we have to bring the public on both sides of the Atlantic with us but I have no doubt that TTIP will keep America and Europe strong in the world in terms of prosperity, growth and jobs, also with reference to geopolitical security.

Second, we need to prevent violent extremism from spreading in Africa. We must help Libya. We cannot have a failed state, run by warlords and fanatics, slipping into anarchy only 100 miles off the southern coast of Europe. Last, on Ukraine. We are united on the need for full implementation of the Minsk agreements and on our determination to maintain the sanctions on Russia until Minsk is fully implemented.
Brutal history has returned to us. History and the politics of faits accomplis.

That is why it is so important that Europe and the U.S not only speak in one voice but also that they act, in unison. Because who we are tomorrow depends on what we do today.

I deeply believe in some kind of Renaissance of faith in our Community. You, Americans, expressed this need in the most convincing phrase I know, United We Stand Divided We Fall.

Thank you.

©Delegation of the European Union to the USA

 

By Catherine Stella Schmidt  (Copy righted material)