Citizens' perspectives on the future of Transatlantic
Relations
- Discover here the opinions of speakers and partners
of the Miami Congress -
1. What is your current assessment of
the state of transatlantic relations?
From a policy point of view in economic
and social terms the UK is attempting to introduce a series
of measures developed in the US, which do not relate particularly
well to the main social economic and cultural values of
the UK and Europe. Given the ongoing economic and social
restructuring of Europe there is much, which can be borrowed
from the US, however much of this cannot be transplanted
without modification. There should be greater consideration
given to the significance of European social values and
economic structures when working with the US. The US approach
is one way of doing things, not the only way.
2.
Do you think that the next decade will bring positive news
in the two ‘historical’ pillars of the US-EU relations:
security and trade?
This relates to the vested interests
of the first world and it is inevitable that these advantages
can only be preserved by mutual co-operation in security
and trade. Any serious split in this relationship would
seriously undermine the hegemony of this first world’s
advantage.
3.
You support the organization of the congress 'Reshaping
Transatlantic Relations for the XXIst century: the citizens'
perspective' to be held in Miami on November 14th-16th.
Do you think that such an event can bring new fresh ideas
on the present debate over the transatlantic relations?
Absolutely, in our experience US relations
with Europe have been fairly patchy with Europe looking
more to the US than vice versa. The US operates at a world
level of which Europe is only a part - Europe, rightly
or wrongly, places too much emphasis on the symbolism
of the US and should adopt a broader view. By exploring
these issues in further detail we may arrive at a more
balanced perspective as to the relative values of both
sides
4.
Is the ‘people-to-people’ cooperation able to
open new fields of constructive US-EU cooperation in the
coming years? In which way?
The interest of US based Foundations
and their activities in the economic regeneration of eastern
Europe is coming of age with the eastward shift of structural
funds. Greater advantage could be taken of the shared
objectives
of each side. This appears as underdeveloped at the moment
and may be an area worthy of further exploration and development.
5.
Being the two richest and most democratic areas on the planet,
do you think that both the EU and the US societies face
a special responsibility regarding globalization on the
one hand; and on the other hand, do you think that they
will face a growing number of similar challenges in their
way towards the next decades?
As with 2. The US and the EU will
fight to maintain their economic advantages over the poorer
areas of the world despite the political and social instability
this fosters. There is a responsibility for the 'ideal'
that the question refers to but the reality will be much
different.
6.
Beyond treaties, organizations, common interests, ... the
cooperation between Europeans and Americans is, in the end,
a matter of people cooperating with people (politicians,
civil servants, businessmen, executives, professors, activists,).
How do you assess this 'human factor' today? Should it be
improved?
Modern
tools of communication have enhanced this significantly.
E-mail is a terrific leveler and an excellent means of
communication, which can act as the development point
for human contact. This has led to a significant
improvement in our mutual communications. Prior to this
such communication was frustrating, fractured and time
consuming. However, there is no substitute for the personal
meeting. We are, after all, social beings.
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