EU - US Relations

Following the recent US elections, the European Council, at its meeting on 10 - 11 December 2020, held a debate on EU - US relations. Leaders emphasised the importance of a strong transatlantic partnership strategy based on common interests and values shared by both parties. They stressed accordingly that such a relationship is particularly important given the need to address pressing global challenges. The European Union looks forward to working with the United States, in particular towards strengthening the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling climate change, enhancing economic recovery and co-operate on digital and technological issues. Additionally, both sides should strive to strengthen mutual trade and address successfully trade disputes, while WTO reform through viable multilateral approach and the promotion of peace and security should remain one key aim. Trade remains a thorny issue, since many Member States strong advocates of free trade are having difficulty with their Parliaments in stipulating an EU US Free Trade Agreement.

The participation of the US President in the European Council of March 2021 sent a strong message regarding his strong commitment as regards the revitalising of bilateral relations. between the EU and the US Secretary of State was held in a very positive atmosphere. Accordingly, the first exchange of views between the EU and the US Secretary of State in the framework of EU Foreign Affairs Council in Feruary 2021, was held in a very positive atmosphere. In particular, the intention to cooperate in the framework of International Organizations was reaffirmed, as well as the will to promote common priorities with regard to Russia, the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Western Balkans, Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. Also on March 24, on the occasion of his visit to Brussels as part of a NATO meeting, the US Secretary of State met with the EU institutions. In the joint statement issued after the meeting, was stressed both sides' willingness to strengthen cooperation on critical foreign policy and security issues. In particular, it was agreed to launch an EU - US dialogue on China, as well as the largest possible US involvement in European defense initiatives. Also of particular importance was the US-hosted Climate Change Summit on April 2021, sending a message of US return to multilateralism and environmental diplomacy.

EU priorities for the near future focus on WTO cooperation, the pandemic, the establishment of the Trade and Technology Council and the settlement of trade disputes. In this regard, the increase in bilateral contacts, the intention to co-operate in WTO reform and the joint promotion of global climate change policies create a climate of optimism for the future of EU-US relations. This positive climate was further strengthened and reflected, also, in the EU - US Joint Declaration within the framework of EU - US Summit held on 15th of June 2021.