The transatlantic partnership must be strengthened to combat a range of multifaceted global challenges.
In an era marked by geopolitical shifts and crises, the enduring significance of transatlantic unity between the European Union and the United States is more critical than ever. The recent report on EU-US relations to the European Parliament from its Foreign Affairs Committee (for which I was rapporteur), to be debated in plenary today, is a timely reminder.
As the world grapples with multifaceted challenges, the report not only underscores our shared values and interests but also charts a course for deepening this vital partnership in pursuit of global stability and prosperity. Its central thesis is that the EU and the US must commit to a strengthened partnership rooted in leadership, responsibility and multilateralism. This is essential for tackling global challenges that threaten our common values, security and economic wellbeing.
Tangible benefits
Among domains where co-operation can yield tangible benefits, foremost is digital and technological innovation. As highlighted in an EIT Digital report on transatlantic relations in June, stronger regulatory alignment and integrated research and development are crucial, especially in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, batteries and rare earths. These are vital due to their vulnerable supply chains amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with China’s rise and the impacts of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
The shift in global trade dynamics marked by the US importing more from Europe than from China in 2022 underscores the importance of the transatlantic economic relationship in the global economic order. This is testament to the strength and potential of our partnership, aligning closely with the values of equitable economic growth and co-operation.
The EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has emerged as a key vehicle for advancing transatlantic dialogue. It provides an effective, high-level platform for co-ordinating approaches to global-trade, economic and technological issues, combating disinformation and supporting Ukraine. The US is urged to continue its solidarity while closely working with the EU to protect peace, security and democracy in Europe, as well as upholding international law and the United Nations Charter. Despite potential internal political divides, one hopes strong US support for Ukraine will persist.
Regular consultations between the European Parliament and the US Congress are vital in supporting the work of the TTC, particularly in terms of policy convergence in the digital realm. These discussions foster joint efforts on digital innovation, regulation and joint standards, offering significant benefits to both regions.
Indeed, the wide range of shared interests between the US and the EU would greatly benefit from a more robust parliamentary dimension. This should involve Congress, the European Parliament and national parliaments. It should focus on foreign affairs, trade, technology regulation, artificial intelligence and other innovations. Such collaborative efforts would increase public awareness, reinforce democratic legitimacy and enhance oversight, improving the ability to deliver on joint initiatives.
Standing together
While pursuing transatlantic co-operation in areas of shared interest, in parallel the EU should foster its strategic autonomy in political, defence, economic and trade relations. Standing together against Russia’s war and supporting Ukraine’s victory is increasingly crucial. The EU and the US, along with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and global partners, are committed to supporting Ukraine through humanitarian assistance, military support and aid for economic and social recovery and reconstruction, while holding Russia to account. Utilising initiatives such as the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (DIRPA), the Act in Support of Ammunition Production, and the European Peace Facility is essential to maintain support for Ukraine.
Recognising the significant contribution of the US to European security, past and present, EU member states must respect their commitments to defence spending. This involves significantly increasing national investments to achieve fairer burden-sharing with the US.
Building on the third joint EU-NATO declaration, there is a focus on enhancing EU-NATO co-operation. Areas of collaboration include resilience, protection of critical infrastructure, emerging and disruptive technologies, space, the security implications of climate change, the fight against maritime piracy and combating foreign manipulation of information and interference.
The EU Strategic Compass adopted in March 2022 underscores the importance of partnerships, with a special focus on the US and NATO. Ensuring complementarity with the NATO Strategic Concept is however also crucial. This involves deepening co-operation particularly in military mobility, cybersecurity, defence research, dual-use infrastructure, resilience and inclusive joint exercises.
NATO continues to be the cornerstone of collective defence for its members and a guarantor of transatlantic security. This was emphasised by the EU and the US conducting their first joint naval exercise in March, showcasing their combined military capabilities and commitment to regional stability.
The US European Deterrence Initiative plays a pivotal role in boosting the military readiness of European allies and deterring Russian aggression. Since 2015, the US has invested over $35 billion to support US troop deployments in Europe and assist in capability development and readiness, reflecting the enduring commitment to European security.
Meanwhile, China’s growing economic and military presence in the Mediterranean and African countries poses new strategic challenges. This expansion necessitates a nuanced approach to the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
Spectrum of threats
Transatlantic dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy are critical in addressing a spectrum of threats and urgent challenges. These range from climate change and authoritarian and totalitarian regimes—including in Europe and Asia—to the concerning situation in the middle east, global criminal networks, and gender inequality and discrimination. Transatlantic dialogue aims to build bipartisan relations that will further consolidate the relationship. It seeks to bridge the increasing divides between urban and rural areas and to champion digital and green transformation for sustainable modernisation.
New technologies such as AI, space capabilities and quantum computing present unprecedented opportunities and challenges in defence and foreign policy. These necessitate a clear strategy and consensus among EU member states and the US to harness their potential while mitigating risks, ensuring that the technologies are developed and used responsibly for the benefit of mankind.
Strengthening the transatlantic partnership is crucial to support democracy, fundamental freedoms, human rights, gender equality, the rule of law, the rules-based international order and multilateralism—particularly in response to growing authoritarianism around the world. This includes implementing the recent commitment to increase funding to the Erasmus+ programme and to double EU support for the Fulbright-Schuman program, fostering exchanges between US and European students and researchers.
Together with our partners in the US, it is important to demonstrate through concrete actions that democracy can deliver significant results for individuals and societies globally and is capable of resisting autocratic pressure and influence, as well as other serious emerging threats. We strive to reinforce the democratic structures that have ensured prosperity and stability for decades on both sides of the Atlantic and globally. Developing effective solutions to global problems that affect our political, social and economic systems is key to this endeavour.
There is a need to reinforce the accountability and resilience of our democratic systems, especially in the run-up to the elections next year in both regions—particularly in light of recent attempts to meddle in electoral processes. Enhancing transatlantic dialogue and co-operation on policies that support democracy, human rights and the rule of law and combat corruption and foreign interference from authoritarian regimes is crucial. This includes addressing electoral interference, disinformation and economic and political coercion—as well as advocating our values globally.
Tonino Picula is a member of the European Parliament for Croatia, having previously served as its minister of foreign affairs. He is the European Parliament standing rapporteur for relations with the United States and the Socialists and Democrats group co-ordinator for foreign affairs.