Europe & Transatlantic Relations

In the largest transnational elections ever, millions of voters across the 27 nations of the European Union (EU) went to the polls from June 4-7 to elect the 736 members of the European parliament. These elections will kick off an intense political season for the EU, which will include the appointment of a new EU commission and a final vote on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland later this year.

The United States and the European Union share much in common, including a similar religious and cultural heritage, strong democratic institutions, and a commitment to civil society. One thing they do not share, however, is a common set of political attitudes and attendant policies on how best to integrate immigrant and minority groups into their larger societies.

With a new American president and administration now in office, an opportunity has arisen for revitalizing the transatlantic partnership. In his remarks, Czech Foreign Minister Schwarzenberg offered thoughts on new priorities and approaches to U.S. - Europe relations, including on dealing with the challenges posed by the Middle East, Afghanistan, Russia and questions such as energy security and coping with climate change.