The future of EU-US relations

The European Parliament adopted by 550 votes to 83, with 55 abstentions, a resolution on the future of EU-US relations.

Members reaffirmed their support for cooperation and partnership between the EU and the US, insisting that the EU's relations with the US are based on common values such as democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms.

Towards a new transatlantic partnership

Parliament believes that the EU should strive for partnership in leadership with the US, focused on the pursuit of shared interests. It should also foster its strategic autonomy in defence and economic relations as a means to pursue its own legitimate diplomatic security and economic interests while strengthening the transatlantic bond.

The Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) are invited to reaffirm the strategic relevance of the transatlantic relationship to:

- reinvigorate a rules-based multilateral international order with the UN system and international law at its centre and the global consolidation of democracy and democratic values;

- fight the malign influence and disinformation campaigns of authoritarian regimes;

- define the rules for a digital and technological future based on shared values, sustainable economic development and inclusive global growth and jobs;

- define a coordinated position towards Russia and China and a common offer of investing in infrastructure projects in line with the EU's connectivity strategy.

Restoring multilateralism

Members welcomed the renewed US commitment to rules-based multilateralism, stressing that this is an important opportunity to re-engage with the US as an equal partner. They called for a concerted EU-US approach in the UN, including UN reform to enhance its effectiveness as a multilateral organisation.

Members called on the EU and the US to play a leading role in the UN framework on climate change. In this context, they stressed the importance of cooperation in clean energy, low-carbon technologies and products, and cooperation on other pressing issues such as non-proliferation, conflict resolution and the fight against violent radicalisation and terrorism.

Enhanced cooperation on international trade and investment

Stressing that the EU and the US have the most integrated economic relationship in the world, Parliament stressed the need to work hand in hand with the US to build positive momentum, strengthen the multilateral trading system and reform the World Trade Organisation. It called for the establishment of several permanent discussion platforms, such as the Trade and Technology Council and the joint EU-US dialogue on technology competition policy, as they will help to further develop transatlantic trade.

Parliament supported a leading-power approach to partnership with the US, including a coordinated stance on Russia and China, which emphasises the pursuit of common interests in the ecological and digital transformation of our economies.

Addressing security and defence challenges

Members believe that the transatlantic alliance remains fundamental to the security and stability of the European continent, as NATO is the foundation of Europe's collective defence and a key pillar of European security. They support a rebalancing of security responsibilities within the transatlantic relationship and call for greater autonomy for EU Member States in the field of defence to lessen the burden on the US.

The EU and the US should cooperate closely not only on traditional security threats, but also on emerging threats such as technological superiority of hostile countries, hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and malicious interference in electoral processes. Members called for close cooperation in the field of cyber security.

Closer foreign policy coordination

Parliament reiterated its suggestion to create a Transatlantic Political Council chaired by the VP/HR and the US Secretary of State to enable systematic consultation and coordination on foreign and security policy.

Members believe that China has not only become a systemic rival and competitor but should also be an important partner in addressing many global issues. They are convinced that a joint transatlantic approach to China is the best way to maintain a peaceful, sustainable and mutually beneficial long-term relationship with that country.

In order to avoid transatlantic tensions such as those that followed the conclusion of the trilateral security agreement between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS), Members stressed the need to explore areas of cooperation with the United States on the China issue, particularly with regard to the protection of human and minority rights, the easing of tensions in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, Hong Kong and the Taiwan Strait.

Deploring the violent takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban following the withdrawal of US and EU forces and the resulting widespread violations of fundamental rights, Members called on transatlantic partners to redouble their efforts to foster long-term peace, stability and progress in Afghanistan by supporting Afghan civil society and human rights defenders, including women's rights defenders.

Lastly, Members believe that the EU should engage more with the US and renew the strategic partnership with the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries.