The future of EU-US relations

The Committee on Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a report by Tonino PICULA (S&D, HR) on the future of EU-US relations.

Members reaffirmed their support for cooperation and partnership between the EU and the US, stressing that the EU's relations with the US are based on common values such as democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms.

Towards a new transatlantic partnership

The report stressed that transatlantic cooperation is the best way to contribute to a peaceful, sustainable and constructive resolution of regional and global problems, including a sustainable and environmentally friendly reconstruction of the economy aiming, inter alia, at carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as the elimination of regional, social, gender and racial inequalities.

The Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) are invited to reaffirm the strategic relevance of the transatlantic relationship to:

- reinvigorate a rules-based multilateral international order with the UN system and international law at its centre and the global consolidation of democracy and democratic values;

- fight the malign influence and disinformation campaigns of authoritarian regimes;

- define the rules for a digital and technological future based on shared values, sustainable economic development and inclusive global growth and jobs;

- define a coordinated position towards Russia and China and a common offer of investing in infrastructure projects in line with the EU's connectivity strategy.

Members noted the new transatlantic commitment to support democracy across the globe and welcomed the clear commitment of the US to strengthen the transatlantic relationship. The report called for a new transatlantic agenda that pursues common interests and promotes multilateral cooperation for a more equitable world, the fight against climate change, and the peaceful and sustainable resolution of conflicts based on the principles of international law, arms control, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and disarmament.

Such an agenda should be built around common strategic objectives, such as: (i) strengthening supply chains for medicines and reforming the WHO; (ii) ensuring adequate access to vaccines for vulnerable countries; (iii) reducing dependence on external energy supplies; (iv) increased investment in cutting-edge technologies; (v) tackling inequalities; (vi) promoting ecological transformation and (vii) cooperation between transatlantic partners and with third countries focusing on the security and stability of the EU's eastern and southern neighbourhood, the Western Balkans and the African continent.

Members called on the EU and the US to work together, building on the work of the OECD, on global tax issues, including reform of the international corporate tax system. They reaffirmed the EU's commitment to fair taxation in the digital economy, as called for in the new EU-US Agenda for Global Change.

The report also stressed the importance of visa reciprocity between the EU and the US and called on both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution that would allow for a visa-free regime for all EU Member States.

Restoring multilateralism

The report welcomed the fact that the US has reaffirmed its commitment to rules-based multilateralism and alliances with its partners. This is an opportunity to re-engage with the US to develop the transatlantic relationship and to strengthen, together with the EU, as equal partners, the rules-based international order.

Members stressed the need to deepen legislative cooperation and to set up enhanced legislative cooperation structures and an inclusive transatlantic dialogue based on the EU and US legislative branches, such as a transatlantic parliamentary assembly. They also called for enhanced inter-parliamentary cooperation on various topics with a view to exchanging best practices and for enhanced coordination on global issues.

Enhanced cooperation on international trade and investment

Underlining that the EU and the US have the most integrated economic relationship in the world, the report stressed the importance of reinvigorating the transatlantic trade relationship with a view to fostering an open, rules-based trading system and finding common solutions to pressing global challenges, including global health. They stressed the need to reform the global trading system to ensure a global level playing field and to work together to develop new rules, including on unfair trade practices.

Enhanced cooperation on international trade and investment

Underlining that the EU and the US have the most integrated economic relationship in the world, the report stressed the importance of reinvigorating the transatlantic trade relationship to foster an open, rules-based trading system and to find common solutions to pressing global challenges, including global health. They stressed the need to reform the global trading system, to ensure a global level playing field and to work together to develop new rules, including on unfair trade practices.

Addressing security and defence challenges

Members believe that the transatlantic alliance remains fundamental to the security and stability of the European continent, as NATO is the foundation of Europe's collective defence and a key pillar of European security. They support a rebalancing of security responsibilities within the transatlantic relationship and call for greater autonomy for EU Member States in the field of defence to lessen the burden on the US.

On foreign policy, Members are convinced that a common transatlantic approach to China is the best way to maintain a peaceful, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship with that country. They stressed the need to explore areas of convergence and possible cooperation with the US on China, including the protection of human and minority rights, the easing of tensions in the South and East China Seas, Hong Kong and the Taiwan Strait.

The report supported the intention to enhance transatlantic cooperation on the use of sanctions to pursue shared foreign policy and security objectives.