ambassador speeches

Ambassador´s Remarks at the AECA seminar: "Promoting Transatlantic Relations"

June 23, 2005

Thank you, Petr, for that introduction.  And thanks and congratulations to the AECA for organizing this event and the other work you are doing here in the Czech Republic for a cause that I believe is vitally important:  promoting a strong and healthy partnership between the United States and Europe.  Let me offer a few comments from my perspective.
 
There is no question that the US and Europe have an interconnected history, and share common values and interests.  Since the Second World War the United States has worked for European freedom and prosperity.  The legacy of the Marshall Plan and NATO is today’s increasingly united Europe.  More recently and closer to home, US support has promoted the transformation in the Czech Republic and elsewhere in Central and Eastern Europe. 
 
The US and Europe enjoy an economic partnership that is unrivaled today.  Around 1 trillion dollars in goods and investment flow between the US and EU members every year.  Cross-ownership of companies means that millions of workers, consumers and investors on either side of the Atlantic depend on economic developments on the other.  Sure there are significant commercial disputes – these are only natural in a relationship so intertwined.  But no matter how prominent these disputes are in the headlines, the fact remains that our commercial relations are solid and growing.  They are the best guarantee for the future of the transatlantic partnership.
 
Although the relationship has gone through a rough period of late, that should not be allowed overshadow our accomplishments.  Too many on both sides of the Atlantic seem to view the United States as a challenge to the EU, rather than as a partner.  Too many appear ready to forget about NATO and the important role it continues to play not just as a security organization, but as a link between Europe and North America.  And of course, none of us yet know what impact the “no” votes in the referendums and the failure of last week’s EU Summit will have on transatlantic relations.
 
Let me be clear about the US views on the question.  During his meeting on Monday with PM Juncker and Commission President Barroso, President Bush stated clearly and repeatedly that “the United States wants a strong European Union as a partner.”  Despite the impression left by some of the campaigning over the EU Constitution, the US does not see a more integrated and stronger EU as a threat.  While the structure of the EU is a matter for Europeans to decide, the US welcomes steps that will make the EU a stronger partner. 
 
This is particularly true in foreign policy.  As the President said this week, we see the US and the EU as natural partners in efforts to “spread freedom, democracy, security and prosperity throughout the world.”  We saw a clear example of this yesterday in Brussels, when the US and EU hosted over 80 countries who came together to discuss ways to support the new Iraq government and the very important transition underway in that country.  There is no question that the debate over Iraq in recent years has taken a toll on transatlantic relations.  But yesterday’s conference was proof that leaders on both sides of the Atlantic remain committed to working together to promote the values that we both share.  On any given issue on the world stage, progress is made when the EU and the U.S. work together with a common goal.
 
Now, let me bring this discussion back to the Czech Republic and offer a few suggestions on steps that can promote improved transatlantic cooperation.
 
The first is demonstrated by the existence of the AECA and our conference today.  It is critical that businessmen and businesswomen, academics, and government leaders who are concerned about the state of the relationship take an active role in the debate.  The importance of a broad and healthy partnership is clear to business:  as much as we would like to think that business and politics are separate, we know there are links.  A deterioration of political ties brings the risk that a commercial dispute will escalate, or that protectionist policies will be put in place. 
 
Second is NATO.  The United States and Czech Republic share a strong commitment to NATO as a cornerstone of the relationship.  We are working together to make sure that this remains true:  that NATO has a role to play in pursuing our common goals of promoting peace and prosperity.  That is why we are working together on the NATO Training Mission in Iraq.  That is why we are so concerned that any efforts to advance the EU’s own defense identity not diminish the commitment of EU members to NATO.
 
Finally, we all need to do more to bring the United States closer to the citizens of Europe.  The top priority of my embassy here in the Czech Republic is explaining the United States and its continued relevance to Czechs, even though your country is a member of the EU.  We know that the best way to ensure stable and close relations is for young Czechs to experience my country first-hand.  President Bush has introduced a roadmap to bring the Czech Republic and other new EU member states into the visa waiver program.  This will take time, but both sides are working together to lay the groundwork for achieving this goal.  In the interim we are doing all we can to make the visa process as easy as possible, while still meeting the requirements of US law.  We in the Embassy are also redoubling our efforts to travel outside of Prague, to meet with students and civic groups, to promote US culture.  On Monday I was in Brno opening the second “American Corner” in the Czech Republic – part of a public library containing a collection of books about the United States. 
 
In all of these efforts we need the help of friends and supporters.  I greatly appreciate the efforts of the AECA and all of my fellow panelists in making sure that transatlantic relations remain a priority here in the Czech Republic.  Thank you.