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

Slowly drifting apart on several important issues; defence relationship needs to be redefined; what is the threat and how do we deal with it? How do we define terrorism? Trade; both sides not practicing the gospel that they preach, to the detriment of developing countries. Environment; continuing divergence.

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?

Positive news can come if opportunities to show joint world leadership are captured. If above issues are tackled in an aggressive manner. Most of all, Europe needs to get its house in order to be able to partner better with the US.

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, although I am not sufficiently aware of the state of debate today.

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 with European integration, people to people cooperation can act as a catalyst for action from governments and business.

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?

Challenges on environment, terrorism and poverty in the world are all linked together and need US and EU leadership to be addressed, in the interest of EU/US and the developing world alike.

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?

Not very aware of what is going on in this field today.