The German EU Council Presidency (January-June 2007) and the Further Development of Transatlantic Relations
Abstract
The German EU Council Presidency attracted particular interest for many different reasons: (1) The current international environment, which is characterized by the growing challenges of globalization. (2) The threats posed by terrorism and regional conflicts. (3) The Bush Administration's changing view of coalitions and multilateralism during its second term in office. (4) The crises that the EU and the US are committed to resolving together (Kosovo, the conflict in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran). (5) The growing need for an EU with 27 member states to function as a world actor by making substantial reforms aimed at an efficient CFSP. (6) The desire of the German Federal Government under Chancellor Angela Merkel to play a stronger role as the driving force behind European integration, following the failed ratification process of the EU constitutional treaty. (7) Germany's simultaneous presidencies of the EU and the G8. (8) The more positive atmosphere of US-EU relations in comparison to 2004. (9) Current domestic policy developments in key countries (French presidential election in 2007, US presidential election in 2008). This research paper focuses on further developments in EU-US cooperation, an area in which substantial progress has been made. The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the aims and outcomes of the German EU Council Presidency in the above field, analyze the challenges, and highlight certain trends.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA478868
Entities
People
- Veneta Momtcheva
Organizations
- George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies