1. "What is your current assessment of the 'state' of transatlantic relations?"

I have the sense that transatlantic relations are at something of a low point in terms of recent history. While the events of September 11th temporarily unified the US and EU behind the common purpose of fighting terrorism, the US approach to this "war on terrorism" has strained the relationship.

While Europeans appeared to be frustrated with the unilateral approach of the current Bush administration during its first year in office, there was hope that a more cooperative attitude would emerge in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. I think that time has proven that this is not the case and that US skepticism and fear of international commitments is likely to put a strain on US-EU relations for the near term.

On the other hand, I think that the reluctance of some European governments to react forcefully enough to the very real threat of future terrorist attacks, has tended to fuel the distrust of many US citizens regarding the dependability of international institutions.

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?"

My own sense is that the US and EU have been moving towards one another in the area of trade. I am more concerned about how the US & EU fare in their relationship to the rest of the world on his issue. In short, I think we will see positive news regarding the US-EU trade relationship.

In terms of security, the issue is a little more difficult. I'm afraid that the current trend in terms of cooperation on security issues is taking a downward course. However, I think that the US citizens are out front of their leadership on this issue and that a gradual movement towards more US participation in "Global" institutions like the International Criminal Court and Kyoto will help our "security" arrangements.

3. "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? Should the transatlantic relationship be improved?"

Yes I do. At the very minimum, it can bring greater visibility to ideas that already exist and simply haven't gotten enough exposure to blossom. I think that this Congress will bring together many individuals who work outside of the normal diplomatic channels and give them a chance to think and share creatively in ways that our leaders in Washington DC and Brussels are not very good at.

4. Is the ‘people-to-people’ cooperation able to open new fields of constructive US-EU cooperation in the coming years? In which way?

Yes, I hope so. I've already said, that I think too many US politicians are suspicious of international agreements and organizations. It will take the growing trust of US citizens in their European counterparts (and vise versa) to pave the way for our political leaders. I think that by working directly together, via the internet and other technologies, US and EU citizens will have the opportunity to build trust in one another and open up new fields of constructive cooperation. I hope that this conference is an example of the kind of creative ways that US and EU citizens can cooperation and communicate.

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?

I think that the US and the EU do have a special responsibility regarding globalization, and that responsibility includes working closely with all nations to ensure that the voices of citizens from around the world are being heard and allowed opportunities to shape our international institutions. We must find ways to hold our international institutions accountable for the effects of their actions on civilians everywhere.

I am certain, that while the process of globalization will move forward, that we are facing decades of turmoil and unrest as we work through the huge social and ecomonic inequalities in the world today. Given the wealth and power that the US and EU bring to the table, much of the frustration and anger of the world will be directed at us. We will need to combine our resources and skills in dealing with these issues, while working with as many partners as we are able to find from around the globe. We must not forget, that we have other strong allies and potential partners around the world and that we must include them in our efforts.

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?

One of my biggest concerns about globalization, is the growing power of institutions over which citizens feel as if they have no control. Part of the reason for this lack of control, is that these institutions are not accountable to any given democratic process.

It is my hope, that as US and EU citizens begin to interact more, that they will begin to exercise their combined clout as citizens and take a more active role in shaping and changing the international institutions that are playing an increasingly important role in all of our lives.

The internet has a huge role to play in bring citizens and civic organizations on either side of the Atlantic closer together. TIESWeb and Politalk have demonstrated that it is possible to engage US and EU citizens in an ongoing political dialogue that has the potential to help shape the transatlantic agenda for the 21st century. Increased contact and increased understanding of one another, is essential if we are to cooperate in a constructive manner.