A New Start in Transatlantic Relations - The View from the Czech EU Presidency. An Address by H.E. Karel Schwarzenberg, Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic

Event Summary

H.E. Karel Schwarzenberg, the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, addressed a large audience at the Brookings Institution during his visit to Washington regarding transatlantic relations under the new Czech EU Presidency. The event was co-hosted by the Brookings Institution and the Heinrich Böll Foundation North America. The public address was moderated by Steven Pifer of Brookings and Minister Schwarzenberg was introduced by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s very own Sebastian Gräfe, Program Director for Foreign and Security Policy as well as Transatlantic Issues at the North American office.

Minister Schwarzenberg began by congratulating the U.S. on the election and inauguration of President Obama, calling it a “strong statement about the character of the U.S.”  He welcomed Obama’s first steps, especially the decision to close the Guantanamo detention camp, and his deep commitment to change, asserting that the EU also seeks a change in the transatlantic relationship.

The Foreign Minister reiterated the Czech EU Presidency’s focus on “the 3 E’s”: Energy, Economy, and External Relations (particularly in regards to the transatlantic relationship, Eastern Europe, and West Balkans). His speech and the follow up question and answer session covered a tremendous amount of issues including European energy independence, the financial crisis, the proposed American missile defense shield, the Gaza situation, relations with Iran, the war in Afghanistan, the future of NATO, Turkish EU membership, and even EU relations with Belarus.

Schwarzenberg referred to the cutoff of gas to Europe from Russia as a “wake up call,” reinforcing the urgent need for European energy independence and security. He portrayed the financial crisis as a new chapter of world economics but one that still has free markets at its core and asserted that protectionism must be avoided. He described the American missile shield as a “sound idea,” asserting that North America and Europe had to be protected and prepared but also expressed the importance of positive relations with Russia.

When addressing issues in the Middle East, Schwarzenberg said the EU was resolved to work with the U.S. He expressed optimism to a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestinian conflict, stated that giving up its nuclear ambitions would be in Iran’s own best interest, and emphasized the importance of the fight for Afghanistan, not only for the Afghan people but also for the future of NATO.

Minister Schwarzenberg strongly emphasized the need for greater transatlantic cooperation on every issue. He welcomed Vice President Biden’s recent speech in Munich, saying he never heard “we will listen” so much, and that the EU would also listen. He noted that the Czech EU Presidency’s motto was “Europe without barriers” but that this should also entail transatlantic relations without barriers. He insisted that the EU did not have a closer friend than the United States. “We’re ready” he said, so “Let’s get working, let’s change the world.”

Lucas Olson, hbf North America