A new EU-US agenda for global change
The European Commission and the High Representative are today putting forward a proposal for a new, forward-looking transatlantic agenda. While the past years have been tested by geopolitical power shifts, bilateral tensions and unilateral tendencies, the victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, combined with a more assertive and capable European Union and a new geopolitical and economic reality, present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a new transatlantic agenda for global cooperation based on our common values, interests and global influence.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “We are taking the initiative to design a new transatlantic agenda fit for today’s global landscape. The transatlantic alliance is based on shared values and history, but also interests: building a stronger, more peaceful and more prosperous world. When the transatlantic partnership is strong, the EU and the US are both stronger. It is time to reconnect with a new agenda for transatlantic and global cooperation for the world of today.”
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative/Vice-President, said: “With our concrete proposals for cooperation under the future Biden administration, we are sending strong messages to our US friends and allies. Let’s look forward, not back. Let’s rejuvenate our relationship. Let’s build a partnership that delivers prosperity, stability, peace and security for citizens across our continents and around the world. There’s no time to wait – let’s get to work.”
The new agenda spans four areas – a healthier world; protecting our planet; trade and technology leadership; and global action and security – and highlights first steps for joint action that would act as an initial transatlantic roadmap, to address key challenges and seize opportunities.
The Joint Communication: A new EU-US agenda for global change, a press release, and a dedicated factsheet are all available online.
Follow the press conference with High Representative/Vice-President Borrell live on EbS.
