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

In economic terms transatlantic relations had improved before the Doha WTO Ministerial Meeting since it was clear that without closer cooperation, the chances of a new round would be very dim. However, the steel conflict and the new US farm bill put great strain on the relationship. The new trade and economic measures which Bush passed in the last months to secure the coming up congressional election as well as to receive TPA in return, greatly endanger the success of the Doha Development round, which can only be successful if countries are ready to make compromises and to cooperate. There is little understanding in Europe for the recent US measures.

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?

As said before, if the US and the EU are willing to cooperate and make compromises, also in the area of agriculture and textiles, the Doha round could prove quite historical since it would integrate the developing countries into the world economy as never before. A successful conclusion would also adapt the WTO to the rapidly changing international economic environment and strengthen it as international institution by including new issues such as competition as well as by including new members. It would help to create a fairer world economy.

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?

I am quite sure that such events are vital to improve transatlantic understanding and cooperation. Thus, it is often being argued for closer contacts, dialogue and meetings in order to prevent or solve trade conflicts. Some of these are based on different cultural backgrounds and different societal preferences such as in the area of GMOs. This can only be solved by bringing the US and EU closer together.

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

As said, people to people cooperation is utterly important. Many foundations and institutions such as the Aspen Institute or the Marshall Fund are heavily engaged in this. To prevent and solve conflicts, parliamentarian partnership programs should be strengthened. Parliamentarians as well as their staffers from the national governments as well as from the EU should more frequently visit the US. Equally, Representatives and Senators should come more often to the EU and the member states, also to learn about the decision-making processes in the EU.

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?

The US and the EU have great responsibilities regarding globalization and the countries being left behind. While it is quite natural that countries follow their own preferences and interests, guided by the interests of their citizens, both, the EU and US should not engage as heavily in protectionist measures regarding products which are in the center of interest of the developing countries. The US and the EU have to work together to create a fairer global economic system, in which the developing countries are more closely integrated. For this, they have to provide the developing countries and in particular the LDCs among them with export opportunities, help them to build up an industrial base for exports, help them to evaluate what produces are demanded on world markets and what standards have to be met and help them the build up negotiation capacity. Thus they have to provide more technical assistance for capacity building. However, while it is true that development aid from the US and the EU member countries is very low and could be expanded, the developing countries also have the responsibility to create the right environment for growth, stability and poverty reduction. Good governance and democratization have to be named here.

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 said under point 4, personal cooperation has to be improved. There is still a great amount of US Representatives without a passport. The global dimension has to be fostered. Thinking global and acting local has to be fostered instead of thinking local and acting local. Furthermore, the transatlantic business dialogue should be strengthened again.