European Commissioner, DG Trade NTA | Civil Society | Transatlantic People-to-People Links NTA What are the main results of the the Transatlantic Agenda to date ? The New Transatlantic Agenda (NTA), signed in December 1995, has provided a valuable framework for enhancing cooperation with the US, contributing thereby to the further strengthening of the relationship. It has registered significant achievements in all areas of EU-US relations: diplomatic cooperation, responding to global challenges, economic relations (both bilateral and multilateral), people-to-people bridges. To mention just a few cases of successful cooperation, I would refer to our cooperation in the Balkans, in Ukraine, in Korea; to the promotion of the Middle East Peace process; to the fight against international crime and illegal arms trade; to our joint anti-drugs initiatives and to our cooperation in the Education area. The prevention and resolution of disputes is another important aspect of the NTA: a number of potentially damaging disputes have been disarmed; in other cases, even when agreement has not been reached, the NTA has provided a framework for dialogue and mutually respectful debate, which are essential elements for conflict resolution. In short, the NTA has launched an era of unprecedented cooperation on a wide range of political, economic and civil society issues. This trend is likely to be given further impetus, as the advance in EU integration makes the EU an increasingly important global partner. Do you consider that transatlantic trade disputes reflect a deeper feeling of discomfort between the two continents? The EU and the US are the two largest economies in the World. They account together for more than half the World's economy. They are also the World's largest trading partners. Considering that their bilateral trade accounts for around 40 % of the global volume, it is not surprising that both sides are not always in agreement on the terms and conditions surrounding these huge transactions. In many ways, disputes are a reflection of how close and interlinked our relations have become. And it must be remembered that transatlantic disputes, which have such a high visibility, actually affect less than a small 2 % of the overall relationship's volume. The truth is that we are, and will undoubtedly remain, particularly good and reliable partners. Do you think that different social models exist, which would be difficult to integrate in a context of market integration? The EU attaches particular importance to the social dimension of its integration process. For example, the recent Lisbon Council set out an ambitious agenda to fight one of the most important problems of today's society, unemployment. At this meeting, the European Council agreed a new strategic goal for the Union in order to strengthen employment, economic reform and social cohesion as part of a knowledge-based economy. The Commission plays of course an essential role in this effort, in particular through its "eEurope - An Information Society for All" initiative, designed to bring the benefits of the Information Society within reach of all Europeans. The US has its own policies in this area, which we respect but which we do not necessarily share in every case. But the common points are more than enough to build a mutually beneficial relationship. How is the EU's emerging security and defence dimension going to change the nature of the Transatlantic relationship? The European Security and Defence Policy does not change radically any of the facets of the transatlantic relationship I have mentioned, but progress in this area of EU integration will undoubtedly consolidate EU-US relations. For too long the EU has not pulled its weight in the defence and security dimension of the transatlantic partnership. Now, with no question of weakening NATO, the EU will increase its ability to rise to what we see as two of the major challenges of international relations - conflict prevention and crisis management. The decisions taken last December in Helsinki meant real commitment and we are challenged by the Secretary General of NATO and others to improve the quality of what we spend and do for our collective defence. All this represents the beginning of a genuine European Security and Defence Policy. In turn, that means greater capacity to exert influence, whether through diplomacy, aid programmes, trade measures or other means, as we have always done, but now with greater provision of both military and non-military security assistance in crisis situations. This will strengthen the Trans-Atlantic relationship, make the EU a better and more dependable ally - an ally who can pack more of punch when it proves necessary. CIVIL SOCIETY What image does civil society evoke to you? Is civil society involved in the relationship? Civil society is a rich, inclusive concept which brings together citizens, businesses, non-governmental organisations and other players. We are particularly keen to involve civil society in the process of Transatlantic Relations, in particular through the Transatlantic people-to-people dialogues (Consumers' Dialogue, Business Dialogue, Small Business Dialogue, Environment Dialogue, and? the starting Labour Dialogue). In addition, the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue is making an important contribution to the process; not least through its great potential for early warning on potential transatlantic disputes. What do you think about the reaction in American society to the Seattle Ministerial? The developments surrounding the Seattle WTO Ministerial deserve much reflection and careful, sensitive attention. What happened in Seattle was not the US society reacting against WTO, but something much more complex. Leaving aside a certain degree of confusion and possible instrumentalisation, it is clear that most protesters at Seattle would like to see a more transparent WTO, and to feel that their voice is listened to. We must address this request. At the same time, we must be aware that those who claim more strongly to represent civil society are not necessarily the real representatives, and may thus not have necessarily the requested legitimacy. But it is clear that we must make an effort to address the real requests from the civil society regarding the WTO. TRANSATLANTIC PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE LINKS What do you think about the role of internet in Transatlantic relations? In particular, how do you think that the TIES project could contribute? The Commission is aware of the huge potential and extraordinary opportunities offered by the new communication technologies, particularly the internet. This applies fully to transatlantic relations, even more so since both the EU and the US societies are World leaders in computerized communication. Internet is probably the most innovative and far-reaching tool among these new technologies. Within this framework, the Commission is actively supporting the Transatlantic Information Exchange Service (TIES), which aims to foster communication and consolidate information links across the Atlantic. Education and civil society links are prominent among the subjects of concern for citizens across the Atlantic. It must not be forgotten, either, that this kind of initiatives can promote participation and integration of less-favoured citizens and social segments. We fully expect TIES to prove a fruitful and rewarding initiative. ---------------------------------- Interview conducted by Ersie Sideris ---------------------------------- The CV and more speeches of Commissioner Patten are available on DG External Relations website