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

Unfortunately the change in administrations in the USA has created some confusion regarding many areas of common interest between transatlantic partners. I believe partnerships are increasing at the grass roots level,
but more strained at the diplomatic level.

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?

Absolutely. With the symbolic launch of a common European currency and the real economic effects over time blended with the expansion of NATO and joint efforts to stem terrorism, the future of cooperation seems assured.

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?

Yes, The key is, "citizens' perspective". Someone once said, "all politics is local" and the true long-term improvement of transatlantic relationships needs to happen in local communities on both sides of the
Atlantic. People to People, face to face.

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. With the ability to communicate faster, more freely and cheaper via the Internet, mobile and cell phones etc., more NGO's, educators and citizens are able to cooperate and coordinate activities across the Atlantic.

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?

By all means, the EU and USA need to clearly examine their roles and responsibilities regarding the third world and the south. Communications and the global economy seem to be 'shrink wrapping" the world more tightly
and closer together. The EU and US need to strategically position themselves to proactively assist others on many levels in an organized fashion.

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?

As stated before, the only true, long lasting change in EU/US relations will come from improved relations with people to people. Technology can be a fantastic tool to increase the ability to "see" and share each other's
worlds. Interactive studies between elementary students, NGO's cooperating electronically on similar policy issues, medical experts sharing information on universal diseases. These are the examples of cross-cultural cooperation made available and affordable via technology that can bridge the transatlantic divide.