EUROPEAN UNION, THE UNITED STATES AND THE TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONSHIP

The goal of this paper is to describe and analyze the transatlantic relationship, why it is important to strengthen it not only within the common security and defense policy, but also within the international political and economic system, and to point out the future scenarios of transatlantic relations. Even with the rise of other economic powers, including the emerging growth markets, the United States and the European Union remain the fulcrum of the world economy, each other's most important and profitable market and source of on-shored jobs, each other's most important strategic partner, and the driving force in the multilateral political and economic system. Strengthening transatlantic bonds is important not only in terms of how Europeans and Americans relate to each other, but how we can harness the potential of the transatlantic partnership to open markets in other countries, especially the emerging growth markets, and strengthen the international political and economic system. The U.S.-EU relationship remains the foundation of the global economy and the essential underpinning of a strong, rules-based international economic order. We literally cannot afford - to neglect it. Instead, we need to put our partnership to work to open our markets; to engage the emerging growth countries; and to strengthen global rules. A 21st century transatlantic partnership is within our grasp, but it is not the relationship we have today. Given the challenges we face, such a partnership is urgent. We are committed to working with U.S. and EU government leaders and others in the business community to create a new and more effective transatlantic partnership.