Leading MEPs call for continued transatlantic cooperation

We will continue working closely with the new US administration to strengthen the US-EU partnership, to pursue common interests and tackle global challenges, MEPs say in a joint statement.

On the occasion of the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the US, the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister (EPP, Germany), the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the United States of America Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy), the Chair of the Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), and the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Standing rapporteur on relations with the United States Michał Szczerba (EPP, Poland) issued the following statement:

“The US and the EU are each other’s most important allies and partners. Our transatlantic partnership has always been and should continue to be based on mutual respect, and strong political, cultural, economic and historic links. We share common values such as freedom, democracy, equality, the promotion of peace and stability, and the rule of law. Our common objective is to ensure prosperity and security for our citizens and to defend democracy against rising authoritarianism around the world.

“The challenging geopolitical realities make it imperative for the US and the EU to work closely together to defend multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Our joint support for Ukraine must remain steadfast, complementary and carefully coordinated. The US and the EU also have an important role in contributing to stabilisation in the Middle East.

The European Parliament stands ready to do its part in strengthening the transatlantic bond. We shall continue working closely with our US friends in Congress, the new US administration as well as governors and state legislators to further strengthen the US-EU partnership.”

Quotes

The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister (EPP, Germany) said: "The transatlantic partnership is even more crucial now due to the return to a global power structure with acute risks of violence. The European Union should proactively explore the overlap in interests and cooperation opportunities with the new administration in Washington. This will entail stepping up our own security and defence measures to become an equal partner for the United States. We should continue to build on the progress we achieved with the Strategic Compass in 2022 to strengthen the European pillar within NATO."

The Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the United States Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy) said: "Strengthening the transatlantic partnership means, for the EU and the US, investing in trust in each other, and our shared competitiveness and prosperity. My delegation will work to reinforce the parliamentary collaboration between the European Parliament and the US Congress on policy issues and on the protection and promotion of democracy and the rule of law in the global context. We should focus on our strengths, maximising the benefits of what brings us closer and finding common solutions on emerging challenges. We should also learn to accept our differences, for example on the regulation of the digital space, while always keeping the dialogue open and mutually respectful.”

The Chair of the Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany) said: "The EU and the US have the most integrated economic relationship in the world. The EU has no intention and no interest in changing this: our door remains open for business and for increased win-win cooperation. If the US puts up trade barriers and disengages from allies and international institutions, the vacuum risks quickly being filled by others. Negotiations are the way forward to iron out our differences. We stand ready to engage."

The Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Standing Rapporteur on relations with the United States Michał Szczerba (EPP, Poland) said: "Europe is entering a new era of relations with the US. This cooperation will not be easy, but it creates an opportunity if we, as Europe, maintain unity. We must show our strength and efficiency. For Europe’s security, the most important thing is to defend Ukraine. This will be the first test."

For further information, please contact:

Office of David McAllister, tel. +32 2 284 51 30, e-mail: david.mcallister@europarl.europa.eu

Office of Brando Benifei, tel. +32 2 28 45644, e-mail: brando.benifei@europarl.europa.eu

Office of Bernd Lange, tel. +32 2 28 45555, e-mail: bernd.lange@europarl.europa.eu

Office of Michał Szczerba tel. +32 2 28 45804, e-mail: michal.szczerba@europarl.europa.eu