Derek E. Mix
Analyst in European Affairs
Due to extensive cooperation on a wide range of issues, the relationship between the United States and Europe is often called the transatlantic partnership. The two sides have many common values and concerns, and have grown increasingly interdependent in terms of security and prosperity. The transatlantic relationship and the main areas of U.S.-European cooperation and shared interest are likely to have continuing implications for U.S. policy during the 113th Congress. Members of Congress may have an interest in considering the dimensions and dynamics of current issues in U.S.-European relations in the course of oversight or legislative activities, or in the context of direct interactions with European legislators and officials.
According to most observers, the overall tone of transatlantic relations during the Obama Administration has been largely positive. At the same time, a constructive tone does not necessarily translate into tangible results with regard to foreign policy objectives or other goals. With respect to certain issues, such as terrorist detainee policy or climate change, U.S. and European policies have often been at odds and have generated frictions in the relationship from time to time.
This report selects a number of issues that both illustrate the nature of U.S.-European cooperation based on shared interests and present challenges in terms of the efficacy of such cooperation:
- The United States and the European Union (EU) have the largest trade and investment relationship in the world. Over the past several years, the Eurozone crisis has posed a danger to economic recovery and financial stability worldwide. Members of Congress and Administration officials have been concerned about the potential effects of the crisis, but avenues for U.S. involvement in resolving it have remained limited. In early 2013, the United States and the EU announced their intention to begin negotiations on a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership aimed at boosting jobs and growth on both sides.
- The United States and Europe continue to cooperate closely on a wide range of foreign policy and international security issues. Many of these challenges are in the wider Middle East region: countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions, seeking to halt the violence in Syria, adjusting to the regional transitions of the so-called “Arab Spring,” and managing the transfer and withdrawal of U.S. and European troops in Afghanistan. Managing difficult relations with Russia also remains a priority and common interest of both the United States and Europe. Additionally, in the context of the pending conclusion of operations in Afghanistan and low defense spending in many European countries, officials and analysts continue to debate a number of on-going questions about the future role and capabilities of NATO.
- Europe remains both a primary target of radical Islamist terrorists and a potential base for those seeking to carry out attacks against the United States. Transatlantic counterterrorism cooperation has been strong since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, although U.S.-EU differences regarding data privacy have posed some key information-sharing challenges.
- Cybersecurity issues have received growing attention and emphasis on both sides of the Atlantic. Although some differences exist regarding regulation of the Internet, the United States and the EU have pursued initiatives to deepen cybersecurity cooperation and counter cybercrime.
- In 2012, the U.S. Congress passed legislation prohibiting U.S. aircraft operators from participating in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Airlines participating in the ETS must purchase carbon allowances in order to offset CO2 emissions. The EU has delayed implementing the international application of the ETS for aviation pending negotiations on a broader multilateral agreement.
- Concerned by Europe’s reliance on Russian energy, many U.S. officials and analysts regard European energy security as a U.S. interest. With its energy import needs expected to rise, Europe has had mixed success in seeking ways to diversify its energy supplies and consolidate its internal energy market.
As the United States and Europe face a changing geopolitical environment, some observers assert that the global influence of the Euro-Atlantic partnership is in decline. In addition, the Obama Administration’s announced “re-balancing” toward Asia has caused some anxiety among Europeans. Overall, however, most analysts maintain that the United States and Europe are likely to remain one another’s closest partner, and that U.S.- European cooperation is likely to remain the foundation of international action on a wide range of critical issues.
Date of Report: March 20, 2013
Number of Pages: 19
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