New Times for Trunsatlantic * Relations

Sumpaan Commlgelon Delsgstiion A review of Transatlantic Relations Libtaly &3OO M Stroet, l[$F Ucshtn€Fon, UC 8OO8? MAY23 Z Volume I, Number 3, December 1999 New times for Trunsatlantic * Relations

Amrtng otber impctrtant and far-reacbing cbanges, the neu Prodi Commission bas agreed o 1un4(t. mental restructuring of tbe Commission seruiCes * dealing u.titb external relations.Tbe ultimate objec- tiues are, tct rellect the European Commission's grotuinS4 rr.tle in external relatir.tns, and tr.t make it more effectiue.

In orcler to achieve these oblectives the External Relations Commissioner. Mr Chris Patten. will co-ordinate the external relations activities of the Commission.The depart- * ments responsible fbr external relations are being reorgan- ised on a thematic basis (trade, development, enlargement), with the new Directorrte-Geneml for External Relations - which has geographic responsibility - assisting Commissioner Patten in his coordinating role.

Accordingly, Mr Pascal Lamy, the new member of the European Commission responsible forTrade, and Mr Poul Nielson, responsible for Development and Humanitarian * Aid, will maintain close coordination with Mr Patten. It is foreseen that both will call on the appropriate geographi- cal desks, when necessary, to clefinc country or regional strategies in the area of their competences. Decisions in these cases will be taken in agreement with the Commissioner responsible for external relations. Mr * Patten will also preside coordination and thematic/sectoral policy development meetings.The role of Director- General of the External Relations DG will mirror that of the Commissionet in co-ordinating the activily of the services.

^ In addition to that. Commissioner Patten ,\^^9 will\llll bcu\ thetrr\ Commission's\.rrrlrlrrr.f:l\rllJ intcrfacelrl(LlrdL\ with!rlrll

the newly-appointecl High Representative for the Common -\ Foreign and Security Policy, Mr.Javier Solana.The External Relaticlns Commissioner will thus play a key role in ensur- Eurooean Commission '{ ing that the EfI has a clear identity and a coherent - rl approach in its external activities. U CONTENTS

New times for Transatlantic Relations

Welcome message by Chris Patten ) The EU-US Bonn summit and beyond. . . . )

President Prodi meets President Clinton 4

Message fromAmbassador Hugo Paemen

S7inning the Peace in the Balkans.

Spotlight:The EU and the US towards the WTO Millennium Round.

Business Dialogue:the second CEO Conference

Co-operation against Trafficking in'Women 10

The new European Parliament l0

EU Centres in the US. vear 2 11

TIES, after theAtlanta Conference. . . . r3

European Commission publishe s 7999 report on US barriers to trade. r3

EU winsW'TO export subsidies case. . I4

New Name - and new'Website for the Commission's US Unit M

The Transatlantic Gastronomic Partnership. . I5

Transatlantic Relations That does not mean that Europe will of course continue to be one will have a'single pbone num- The External of the cornerstones of the EU ber' for its relations with the rest Relations external relations. The new of the Wodd, to quote Henry organisation will enable the Kissinger's famous words. Commissioner will Indeed, is this really needed, or thus play a key role The new organisa- even desirable? Not even the US, with its constitutional separation in ensuring that the tion of the of powers, has a unique phone EU has a clear identi- Commission, mofe number for us Europeans to dial... and quite rightly so. As the q and a coherent solid and coherent, stfuctures of government and appfoach in its extef- should serve to administration evolve to cope with the ever more sophisticated nal activities. boost the already and complex problems of mod- impressive results ern society, oversimplifi cation nised by the signing of the 1995 does not help. New Transatlantic Agenda, and achieved through Rather, what is really needed is the various political, administra- the NTA. good, transparent and regular tive and people-to-people con- communication between all the tacts it foresees. The new organi- European Institutions to main- players involved in Transatlantic sation of the Commission, more tain a better internal coordination Relations.And this communica- solid and coherent, should serve which in turn will make the EU a tion has to be done through a to boost the already impressive more reliable and coherent part- multiplicify of levels and struc- results achieved through the ner for the US. tures. This was implicitly recog- NTA. W'elcome message by Chris Patten

the EU-US Newsletter. The and competences established by Newsletter is intended to pro- the Treaty of Amsterdam. This, vide a general, non-exhaustive togethcr with the new organisa- update on the Commission's tion of the European actiYiti€s as regards EU/US rela- Commission, will undoubtedly tions, as well as on other issues help to consolidate and to of interest in this field. I am enhance the Transatlantic confident that this review will Relationship. I am personally be a useftrl tool to improve the committed to this purpose . I am communication flow between also convinced that this yourself and the European Newsletter adds to our aims of Commission, and will satisfy transparenql, public information your needs for information and co-operation, which are about your areas of interest in determinant for achieving the Dear reader of the EU-US Transatlantic Relations. mutually beneficial results we Newsletter, I am very pleased to A new period is currently open- pufsue. pfesent you this new issue of ing in EU-US relations, not least Cbris Patten because of the new procedures The EII-IJS Bonn summit and ber.ond The first biannual EU-US Summit of 1999 took place in Bonn on 21 June. Tbe euent was attended by tbe tben European Commission President Santeq US President Clinton andCbancelktr Scbr6de6 tben PresicJent of tbe European Council, togetber uitb members of Gr,tuernment and senior officials from botb sicles. Tbe important results reacbed at tbe Summit baue since been tbe subject of actiue follou-up, ubicb tuas jointly reuieuted at senior official leuel on 23 September in Neu York.

EU-US Summits are held twice a ing on the NewTransatlantic application of these principles year to assess and develop Agenda, both sides agreed the should help in ftlture to avoid tmnsatlantic co-operation. They "Bonn Declaration".The text damaging trade disputes over came into being as a result of the reflects in particular a commit- issues such as Helms-Burton. November 1 990 Transatlantic ment to work together to prevent bananas and hormone-treated Declaration.A significant part of and deal with regional crises. beef.\Vhile current trade disputes the Bonn Summit's work focused Europe's emerging common secu- only invcllve a very small part - on Kosovo and the wider south- less than 2 % - of total trade, they eastern European region. On this have a clisproportionately large subject, Presiclent Santer impact on the relationship as a explained how the EU nations whole. and the U.S. had all contributed resollrces for NATO's action in Several other important issues Kosovo. President Santer outlined were treated at the Summit. In a how the EU would take the lead report to Summit Leaders by the in putting together the Stability "Senior Level Group", the major Pact for the Region, play the lead- achievements of the last months ing role in financing reconstruc- were reviewed, and priorities for tion and how the European the future were identified.Among Commission would work with rity and defence policy was the latter were the implementa- the Wodd Bank to co-ordinate the recognised as an essential factor tion of the Stability Pact in south- donor efl-ort f

J Ceg t lsu the On Ukraine, a Joint Statement was Many important subiects were fepfesents mofe than twice released at the Summit, undedin- treated, including significant dis- latter's GNB which shows the ing EU and US support for eco- cussion on the May 18 EU-US degree of the commitment given nomic reform and continued tran- Understandings on, intet alia, by the donors. Other subiects sition to democracy. Other signifi- the Helms-Burton Act. This treated were Turkey and the cant external policy priori- Biosafety Protocol. ty areas identified were Lastly, on Biotechnology the consolidation of the the public opinion factor Middle East Peace Process, was analysed, and EU the promotion of Human urged the US to show Rights and Democracy in greater understanding for countries such as Belarus the European position. and joint work to alleviate A significant part of the problems from armed con- meeting was dedicated to flicts such as those in East preparing the next EU-US Timor orAngola. On the Summit which is to be trade side. the need for held in Washington in progress in the implemen- December this year. tation ofTEP was under- Possible deliverables for lined. On food safety. it this event are a joint state- was agreed to examine ment on the Information ways of increasing cooper- Society and a joint state- ation between EU and US ment on EU-US eftorts in scientists on health and Northern EuroPe.There consumer safery issues. was also an interesting and detailed exchange on After the Sumrnit: the the practicalities of the Senior Level Group upcomingWTO Ministerial meeting in Following the Bonn Seattle and on the two Summit, the first SLG sides position regarding meeting during the the contents of the New Finnish Presidency was Round. held in NewYork on 23 issue continues to be sensitive September, in the margins of the and still requires careful handling UNGA.The Agenda had been pre- on both sides. On Southeastern pared by a meeting of the NTA Europe, the discussions focused Task Force held in Helsinki a on the issue of burden-sharing. week before. The EU pointed out that the commitment given so far to Kosovo President Prodi meets President Clinton On 27 Octobre, by tbe time uben tbis issue of tbe EU-US Neusletter Laas to be closed,Commission President Romano Prodi trauelled to tbe (IS to meet US President Clinton. Tltis is tbe Statement Labicl) uas released at tltis occotssion: global- JOINT DECI-ARAIION BY and a desire to collaborate closely lives of people in a rapidly PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON to bridge remaining differences. izing wodd." CUNTONAND COMMISSION EUROPEAN 3. Mindful of the essential role 2.They recalled the EU-U.S. Bonn PRESIDENT ROMANO PRODI played by the multilateral trad- Declaration of 1999, where June ingsystem in supporting over the we agreed that "Together we can 1. President Clinton and President last 5O years the greatest economic advance our shared values. our Prodi held a wide-ranging discus expansion in history and more common securitpy and our mutu- sion on 27 October about the recently in containing the adverse prospects for launching a new al prosperity more effectively impacts of economic downturns in Ror"rnd of trade negotiations in the than either ofus alone. Together Asia and elsewhere , the two leaders W'odd Trade Organization (rWlTO) ...we can face ... the comPlexitY agreed to stfive to secufe agree- next month at Seattle. There was of ensuring that democracy and ment in Seattle to laurch a new an essential ovedap of interests free markets improve tangibly the Round of global trade negotiations. 4. Their discussions concentrated sides agreed to continue to take EU needed to do more than in pre- on the possible topics for a new forward their discussions in a con- vious Rounds to work with all our Round and how to provide stmcrive spifit in forthcoming partners in the'SfTO system. The momentum for a successfrrl launch weeks. new Round shonld offer major at Seattle. opportunities to the developing Not only agriculture and services, 5. The leaders agreed that the new countries, strengthening their role but a number of other issues need round had to be definitively differ- in the wodd economy. Particular to be included, to meet the U.S. ent in content and process from its att€ntion needs to be paid to the and EU's resp€ctive interests and predecessors. For example, we least developed countries. Their those of our paftners, but also to had to take into account the rapid conc€rns and interests should be ensure that the WTO continu€s to advances in technology, particular- ftrlly taken into account, including be a leading part of the solution to ly related to electronic commerce. through specifically targeted, the problems that will confront They agreed on the goal of better enhanced, and effective market the global economy in the next addressing the social dimensions access and capacity building. century. In this respect, they dis of trade by promoting a substan- cussed topics such as comprehen- tive dialogue with our partn€rs, 7. An additional important new sive market access, greatef coher- involving the\ffTO and the ILO, element was to make the multilat- ence in international economic although we still differ on the eral trading system as responsive policy making to complement and modalities. The dialogue would as possible to all our citizens. The enhance the work underway in include an examination of the rela- two leaders agreed to work vigor- the Bretton'Woods institutions and tionship between trade policy, ously to assrre the public that the other LN agencies; government trade liberali zatton, development trading system and theWTO as an pfocrrement (including trans- and fi.rndamental labor rights, so as institution works in the broadest parency and market access); for- to maximize the benefits of open interests of everyone - and to eign direct investment; electronic trade for workers. The two leaders ensure that this remains the case. commerce (including extension of also agreed that the new round Both leaders renewed their com- the moratorium agreed last May); should enhance the potential for mitment to theWTO Dispute competition; trade facilitation; positive synergies between trade Settlement System, and agreed that trade-related intellectual property liberalization, environmental pro WTO decisions should be respect- rights protection (TRIPS); technical tection and economic develoP ed and implemented. The leaders barriers to trade; and the issue of m€nt. also anticipated ratiSing at Seattle eady agreements, provisional a package of improvements to the where necessary.'While differences 6. But the agenda for the new Dispute Settlement Understanding. remain between the United States Round also had to address the Additionally, they agreed to work and European Union as to th€ needs and interests of all our part- towards enhanced transparency in most appfopriate scope for the ners. Although maior players in the IITO decision-making proc€ss. forthcoming negotiations, both the wodd economy, the U.S. and

Extra.cts from tbe Bonn Declnration

We, tbe European Union and tbe United States of America, affirm for a neut century our cornmitnTent to a full and equal partnersltip. Tbgetber we can aduance our sbared ualues, our cornmon security and our mutual prosperity rnore effectiuety tban eitber of us can alone.Tbgetber lae are a pouterful force for meeting tbe cballenges ue face:fragility in regions important to botlt of us, netu transnation- al tbreats to our cor'ltmon security, and tbe com.plexity of ensuring tbat derrtocracy and free markets improue tangibly the liues of people in a rapidly globalising uorld.

[...J Since 1995, tl?e European (]nion bas taken itnportant steps toward furtber integration, uitb the introd.uction of tbe euro and institutional cbanges in tbe areas of foreign and securitjt policy and justice and bome affairs introduced by tbe Amsterdam Treaty.Tbe ongoing integration process ba's enabled. ttre EU to extend its reacb in utoild affairs, ulblle tbe present round of accession negotiations is bringing closer tbe uision of a peaceful, undiuided Europe.Tbese deueloprnents prouide an important impulse for a more effectiue partnersblp between us.

t...1 We also zuelcome tIJe neLU impetus to tbe strengtbening of a comrnon European policy in security and defense giuen by tbe Amsterdam TreaSt and tbe 1999 Cologne European Council.A stronger European rok in tbis field, will contribute to tbe uitality and effectiueness of tbe Atlantic Alliance.

The full text of the Bonn Declaration, together with other important documents from the EU-US Bonn Summit, can be found in the internet ^thttp'.//ewopa.eu.intlcomm/dg01/ussumc.htm Mess age from Ambassador Hugo Paemen

out input from the people who ers a wide number of economic. live these issues. political. and security issucs. Of course, the dialogues are also built on the idea that groups in All of this is to say that Europe is the EU and US can learn from increasingly registering on the each other. My office has tried to American radar screen.A single contribute to this process in sev- event which consolidated eral small ways. Most recently we Europe's profile across the fifty produced a brochure,The Stories States was the launch of the euro. Behind Growth and Jobs: U.S. Suddenly, the whole European Regional Economic Development, summarising six examples from W'e must yet con- regions across the U.S. for distrib- vince the US leader- ution to regional policymakers in the EU. Having travelled across ship that Europe this country for meetings with will increasingly groups from Seattle, Washington to St. Petersburg, Florida, I am speak with a single As I complete five years as Head strllck by the regional diversity of voice on foreign pol- of the Commission's lWashington the US and the many parallels Delegation, it is impossible to with economic and social condi- icy matters capture the nature tions in areas of Europe. of the transat- endeavour became comprehensi- lantic relationship in a brief retro- ble and real to the avemge spective.The reason is obvious: slnqle event American. If money talks, then this is a job without end.When I which consolidated launching a single currency started, we were iust about to spoke volumes for European inte- launch the New Transatlantic Europe's profile gration, and for the Monnet Agenda (NTA) which repr€sented acfoss the fifty method which has steadily a real progression from a consul- pushed Europe forward toward tative relationship to a practical States was the the goal of 'an ever closer union'. partnership.Today, the NTA repre- launch of the euro. By contrast, and despite bold sents an important step on the moves by the political leadership way to an even deeper partnef- Suddenly, the whole in Europe, our Common Foreign ship, provided that our govern- European endeavour and Security Policy is less known ments follow the lead of people or understood on this side of the working on the ground. became compfehen- Atlantic. CFSP never makes the headlines, and inside the Beltway While our traditionally stronfa sible and rcal to the we frequently encounter skepti- economic ties have been built up avetag:e cism, once reserwed for the euro, over years of sound bilateral rela- American. about how far European member tions, the NTA has been most states will really go toward a truly innovative in promoting new dia- I have also visited six of the ten coherent policy. Perhaps this will Iogue at other levels that are rep- European Union Centres estab- gradually change with the resentative of our societies. lished, in part, with EU funding. appointment of Javier Solana as Although the Transatlantic Through their research, teaching 'Mr. CFSP', the reorganisation of Business Dialogue (TABD) has the and outreach programs, the the Commission's external rela- longest track record and list of Centres have shown great tions portfolios and their coordi- accomplishments, the newer dia- promise in promoting knowledge nation under Chris Patten.As the logues for consumers, the envi- of the EtI amongAmerican stu- ECB is building the euro's credi- ronment, labour and others, are dents and the regional communi- biliry. so we must yet convince infusing the transatlantic agenda ties surrounding host universities. the US leadership that Europe will with fresh ideas and dynamism. These programs can only gain in increasingly speak with a single All together. they are an impor- yalue as the EU becomes a more voice on foreign policy matters. tant new dimension in our rela- global partner for the US, a tionship. Too often, policymakers process that has developed incre- All this against the backdrop of have had to play catch-up with- mentally over time but now cov- the most ambitious enlargement ever undertaken by the Union. standing of the comPlexitY of the sarily bad, but require a sustained Beyond the usual concerns on the enlargement exercise among our effort to enrich the relationshiP it.That US side about the trade imPlica- counterparts in Washington. These rather than to detract from of the job, and it is tions of enlargement, the Problem differences in our relative perspec- is the heart on our side is to generate under- tives are inevitable, and not neces- never done.

Ilugo Paemen: Ie parcours d'un europeen conaaincu*

Few trajectories are as imbricated in European construction and international relations as that of Hugo paemen. He has been the Head of the European Commission'sWashington Delegation with the rank of Ambassador since luly 1995. Previous to that he served as the Commission's Deputy Director-General for External Relations. In that post he was responsible for the Commission's negotiating team during almost the entire duration of the Uruguay Round. From 1985 to 1987 Paemen was the official spokesman of the first Delors Commission. From 1978 to 1985 he served as Chef de Cabinet of Viscount Davignon when the latter was appointedVice-President of the European Commission.A career diplomat, he seryed in the Belgian Embassies in Geneva, Paris, and washington where he was Economic Ministef for the years 1974-78.

Hugo paemen has degrees in Philosophy and Classics and Political and Social Science. He has been a distinguished visiting professor of the Catholic University of Leuven, where he lectured in European politics. He also co-authored a book entitled "From the GATT to the WTO:The European Community in the Uruguay Round" published by Leuven University Press.

He is married to Irma Paemen and has six children.

* (JlJe itinerary of a conainced European.) Winning the Peace in the Balkans Tbe Euro-Attantic alliance acted closely togetber in securing peace in tbe Balkans.Wctrking togetber, the EU and. tbe US took decisiue steps for tlse resolution of a maior crisis Lulticb caused com- tremend.ous buman suffering and imposed bigb risks and. burd'ens upon tbe transatlantic munity. Tbe task alcead is tabetlser tbe future of tbe Balkans can be assured tlrrough similar leu- tbere tuas an els of commitment and cooperation, nora in tbe peace as Lt)as exbibited tulsen absence ofPeace. otber partners Commissioner Patten has cleadY will result from the StabilitY togetber and taitlt articulated his view of the need pact, but the whole must be through tbe EU-initiated to continue working together. achieved by imPlanting sound Stability Pact for Soutb Eastern Speaking in'Washington at the economics in the region.The EU Europe to enable tbe PeoPle of occasion of the Conference on has already given massive aid to tbe wbole region to liue in Economic Reconstruction in the the region: nearly $4.5 billion pectce, confident tbat democracY, Balkans, Patten recalled the cen- since 1991, and around $1 bil- respect for human rigltts, and trality of the Marshall Plan in lion in l999.Btrt Patten Pointed economic ProsPeritY tuill be fos- restoring Europe after the last out that importing aid was not tered and tbat tbeY can be fullY \Wodd War. Similar effort, he sufficient. Fostering trade integrated into Euro-Atlantic inferred, was needed now. between the countries of the strLtctures." Enlightened altruism would bring region and also between them benefits to the Balkans, and those and the wider EuroPean econo- More information about tbe EU benefits would be felt throughout my was a priority. action in Kosouo can be found Europe. And a stable EuroPe was in tbe internet at: in the intefests of our greatest As the Bonn Declaration put it, http://europa.eu.intlcomm/dgla/ trading partners, foremost "Tbe European (Jnion and' tbe see/intro/index.htm, as utell as at amongst which is the USA. unitect States are strongly com- tbe Kosouo reconstruction infor' mitteel to assume tbeir responsi- mation utebpage cf tbe Stabilising the Balkans takes bilities in tbe uake of tbe http://www.seerecon.org,/ more than a Piecemeal Kosouo conflict.We are also approach; a strategic overview determined to utork closefit Spotlight:The EU and rhe LIS rowards the S[/TO Millennium Round The multilateral trading system bas since its inception mad.e a major contribution to stable and continued economic groutb. Eight rounds of trade liberalisation and strengtltening of rules baue helped promote global prosperity, deuelopment, and rising liuing standards. Since 195 1, global trade bas Sroun seuenteen-fold, utodd production bas more tltan quadrupled, and. uoild per capi- ta income bas doubled.Tl:e multilateral system bas belped m.any deuetoping countries successfully integrate into tbe international economy, experience sbotuing tlJat countries uitb more open markets acbieue bigber leuels of economic grotutb and deuelopment.

The record of the WTO since the by the action of economic opera- November. The majority of WTO conclusion of the Uruguay Round tors, but trade liberalisation has members have expressed their has been particulady positive, acted as an important facilitator. support for a new Round, and bringing major improvements in The challenge for governments those who still have reservations market access and more pre- and theWTO in future is how to are cleady positioning themselyes dictable des that benefit allWTO continue to channel it positively. with the prospect of further nego members. Growth has become W'TO has a role in providing a tiations. However, much still needs increasingly trade driven, and framework of rules that guarantee to be done to convince allWTO trade accounts for an increasing tfansparency, and non-discrimina- members on the form and content proportion of economic growth. tion. Governments must in parallel of the proposed negotiations. namely a slowdown in growth, ensure that the benefits of liberali- notably inAsia, but also other sation are equitably shared, that In the EU view the Millennium regions. Further trade liberalisation rapid economic change is success Round should set itself four major Today, the global fully managed, and negative objectives. First, to secure mean- impacts of globalisation min- ingful further trade liberalisation economy faces imised.Action at both the multilat- and market access (covering the cifcumstances com- eral and national levels should pro built in agenda of agriculture and mote sustainable development. paruble to those services, the new issues identified The challenges to the multilateral at the 1996 Singapore ministerial before the Uruguay system can best be met through a meeting, together with more tradi- Round, thirteen new comprehensive round of tional items such as industrial tar- trade negotiations. A comprehen- iffs). Second, to promote the fur- yeafs ago sive round will help govertrments ther strengthening of the \)[TO and expansion throughWTO can, to exercise their influence on multilateral system so that it by removing obstacles, help stimu- developments in the face of rapid becomes a truly universal instru- late global competition, growth and farr eaching economic ment for the management of inter- and employment. change. Otherwise, in view of the national trade relations.Third, to pfessufes the international econo strengthen the developmental role At the same time while the impor- , my is now under, there is a risk of tance of international and capacity of theWTO.And trade is slipping backwards.As the finan- recognised, debate has increased fourth, to ensure that both institu- cial and economic crisis has in recent years about the impact tionally and in its specific agree- shown, more - and especially bet- of globalisation and trade liberali- me nts the WTO addresses issues ter focused - liberalisation, not less sation on employment, wealth dis- of concern to the broader public is needed, if economic growth is tribution, development and (civil sociery), including consumer the to be restored.This liberalisation environment.As the pace protection and transparency. This of inna should be underpinned however vation increases, and as interna- will contribute to promote by multilateral des bringing wider tional competition intensifies, understanding transparency, faimess and pre- of the social and these questions remain high on IVTO dictability, and promoting sustain- econornic benefits of the the public agenda. able development. system through, inter alia, a signifi- A clear separation however must cant improvement in information It was with the above considera- be made between the system rep provided and exchanges of views tions in mind, that the EU pro resented byWTO and the phe- with all interested parties in our posed the launch of a further nomenon of globalisation. societies. Round of multilateral trade negoti- Globalisation has become an irre- ations - the Millennium Round The US initial approach to a com- versible reality. Globalisation is - to be launched at theWTO prehensive round has been hesi- mainly driven by technology and Ministerial in Seattle this tant: first, prefering a sectoral approach to industrial tariffs based sive approach, involving a broad sure of success will be the launch- on the APEC initiative; second, range of issues, can all participants ing of a new compfehensive WTO with a lukewarm attitude towards identiff gains.A narrow sectoral Round. the widening ofWTO's scope of approach cannot do this, i.e. responding to the diverse interests The launch of the The Community has of the extremely broad range of begun a rcgular dia- players, among the'W'TO's mem- Millennium Round is bers, across all industrial sectors a necessary step in logue s/ith and within our societies at large. European NGOs, Over the last few months WTO ofdef to stimulate both in order to Members have been engaging in the expansion of an intensive phase of preparations improve understand- for the Seattle ministerial confer- trade and economic ing of the benefits ence.A large number of WTO grov/th, address the of the multilateral members have tabled proposals for negotiations in the areas of needs of developing system and to their interest.The EU has tabled countfies, reduce the ensufe that relevant proposals on a wide range of issues covering the whole broad risks of protection- interests and preoc- agenda of the New Round. cupations of civil Further deeper dialogue with all ism and stfengthen these institutional partners and the multilaterul rules- society continue to representatives of civil society is be reflected in mul- foreseen.This will be a continuous based system. process, which represents a signifi- tilatenl outcomes. cant departure from eadier trade The international environment in rounds, and which will become a which countries are trading is actiYity through the inclusion of permanent feature of the EU inter- changing at an ever increasing measures on Investment and on nal trade policy making. pace,and thus it is vital that the Competition Policy. A comprehen- Vis)-vis the US, constructive EU- multilateral framework is strength- sive round is needed to ensure bal- US on a number of multi- dialogue ened and updated such that it ade- ance.The WTO negotiations are lateral issues has been developed quately responds to our cuffent only going to lead to substantive within the Transatlantic Economic and future needs, ensuring a results if placed within a broad, Partnership framework, with a time-bound negotiating frame- view to contributing to prepare a framework of des that provide work.The Uruguay Round has successful Ministerial meeting in for transparency, fairness and shown that only by a comprehen- Seattle.An)ryay the only real mea- equality. Business Dialogue: the second CEO Conference Tlte Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD) beld its annual conference Berlin on 29 - 3O Octobet The Commission was represent- Small and Mediumsized they consider it most urgent to ed by Commissioners Liikanen Enterprises in the transatlantic remoYe or eliminate. four Directors business relationship. and Lamy and The TABD is chaired iointly by (TABD) was 1995 General.The US Government side launched in one European and one US CEO. was led Secretary of by ln 1999 the Chairmen are Jerome rJflilliam Commerce Daley and More than I Monod from Suez Lyonnaise des Deputy US Trade Representative pafticipated in Eaux and RichardThoman of the Sue Esserman. Xerox Corporation. this event. The main issues discussed were The recommendations arc agreed recovery in South Eastern and gives a unique opportunity upon at ayeaiy conference Europe, the launching of the new for business leaders from both where the business leaders also t0fl'TO multilateral trade negotia- side of the Atlantic to jointly give meet with senior Government tions, an eady warning system to recommendations to the officials. avoid future transatlantic trade Commission and the US More inforntation about TABD disputes, the need for internation- Government on which remaining http//www.tabd.com al accounting standards, electron- barriers to trade and investment ic commerce and the role of Co-opention against Tnfficking in'Women Tbe EU and US join forces again in tl:e figbt against trafficking in women.After tbe joint information campaign, utbiclt took place in 1998 in tbe Ukraine and Poland, tbe EU-US Summit in December 1998 decided it utas important to continue tbe tuork.Tcuo otber countries utere selected: Hungary (EU) and Bulgaria (US). Preparatory work was done dur- The overall objective and women groups will be ing the first part of 1999. involved in the implementation Recently, the grant agreement of the campaigns is of the project as well. From the between the International to raise awafeness very outset of the project, IOM Organisation of Migration (IOM) and the Hungarian Government and the Commission has been about the dangers of will focus on its sustainability in concluded, so that we are ready trafficking in ord€r to ensure that at the end of to go ahead. the campaign, local structures are migfants/women, to capable of taking over the infor- The EU campaign in Hungary will assist potential vic- mation and assistance services. last 9 months, including 3 months The Hungarian Government, of research. tims (young women) which has recently adopted legis- IOM, which has considerable and to assist the rele- lation to penalize trafficking in experience in this field, will human beings, considers the pro- implement both the campaign in vant authofities in ject as a further step towards the Hungary and the US sponsored Hungary and adoption of the Community campaign in Bulgaria. 'acquis'in the field of Justice and Bulgaria in increas- HomeAffairs. Specific information, for selected ing their institutional target groups, will be disseminat- A launching event for both cam- ed through a number of mass and capacitlr to deal with paigns is being planned to take informal media. the trafflcking prob- place in November 1999 in Budapest.The Hungarian Minister lem. of Interior will host the event. The EU sponsored proiect in High level officials from relevant Hungary is actively supported by authorities in Hungary and the Hungarian Government.The Bulgaria are being invited as well Minister of Interior has set up a as some from the Commission co-ordination mechanism with and the US Government. IOM. other relevant Government inter- NGO's and other institutions locutors. Local authorities. NGO's. involved will be present also. The new European Padiament After the l3thJune European Parliament election, the new The new Assembly began its work with par- Commission is well ticular dynamism. Its first challenge was a difficult one, though: awa;fe of the need to to hear, debate and decide on the maintain a constant nominations for the new Commission. And, as MEPs had and strong liaison previously stated, the hearings with the European were not atallamatter of routine - on the contrary they were atten- Assembly, afid that tively followed and participation applies fully to was remarkably active. tn the end, the new Commission was Transatlantic approved by a large majority of the Relations. MEPs, and this was undoubtedly an excellent beginning for the new period which has just opened.

10 Both Mr Patten and Mr Lamy have Senate (see previous issues of this Given that the relationship already addressed the new EP and Newsletter). between the EU and the US is a several of its Committees in a particulady close one and enjoys number of occasions. This prac- Despite its recent constitution, many distinctive features, it is tice is bound to continue and the new EP has akeady managed hardly surprising that legislators probably even to increase. to consolidate TLD, which was both sides of the Atlantic want to As regards the relations with the endorsed in September by the have a special structure allowing US, the importance of the EP's Padiament's Conference of them to exchange views and to opinions and decisions is greater Presidents.The members of TLD work together for the interest of than eYer. Not only because the on the European side have now citizens across theAtlantic. The Amsterdam Treaty consolidates to be chosen among the new Commission remains fully sup- the EP powers regarding external MEPs. Direct contacts beNveen portive of this Dialogue, which is relations, but also because of the EU and US members ofTLD will in line with the objectives of the important Transatlantic Legislative afterwards be resumed. It is New Transatlantic Agenda. Dialogue (TLD) set up during the envisaged that these contacts will previous legislative period. TLD include periodical tele-confer- More information about tbe EP aims to improve Transatlantic ences, the establishment of a ded- actiuities can be founcl in inter- Relations by strengthening and icated website, organisation of net et tbe EP website:

increasing the relations befween ioint EU-US events and other http : //www. europad. eu. intl the EP and the US Congress and actions.

ELI Centres in the uS,Srear 2

Tbe European Centres in the United States project bas alreadlt celebrated its first birthday. The progress acbieued during tbis time was recently reuieoued in an exhaustiue ancl detailed report pre- pared for tbe European Commission by tbe Aduisory Eualuation Committee of tbe ECSA . The global balance is impressiueljt positiue. European Centres baue been consolidated in ten leading US Uniuersities, and tbey baue generally conducted tbeir operations in a uery satisfactory manner

As the independent evaluators put and maybe even surpassed. Self-sustainability it in their report, 'most of tbe Overall, the Centres offer a Centres lcaue rnet or surpassed impressively wide and compre- and altetnative fund- tbe first year goak'. Obviously, hensive range of EU related pro- ing after the end of progress is more remarkable in grammes, scholarship, research some cases than in othefs. The and studies, curricular develop- the grants pfo- Commission has examined careful- ment, conferences and other gfamme - the pfo- ly the nuances and particulariti€s activities and events focused on of each Centre 's achievements. European issues. There is no ject is scheduled for doubt that such complete portfo- 3 yearc- is paru- The overall picture lio will help promoting better mutual understanding across the mount to the suc- is, as the indepen- Atlantic. This includes an greater cess of the whole dent evaluators put awareness of the political, eco nomic and cultural importance of initiative. it,'strongfit positiue' the transatlantic relationship, and in general stronger people to peo- The increase and enhancement of Such impressive results are ple links. In this sense, the the relations between the differ- undoubtedly the best possible European contribution to the pro- ent Centres, which may lead to encoufagement fof tllje Zndyear ject is excellent ualue moneJ/. joint actions and coordinated pro- project. All pro- for of the the jects, is another important obiec- grammes submitted by the The Centres face now several tive to be attained. A stronger Centres have been examined and important challenges for the 2nd 'outreach' dimension of the initia- assessed by the Commission. year of operation. tive is also ess€ntial to its success. which has committed itself to its significant support. continue This is why in addition to the quality proposals is The of the many activities and actions fore- success of the first such that the seen in the Centres' proposals, years hopefully be equalled will the Commission has launched the idea of a Inter-Centres since the best way of promoting Tbe EU Centres Proiect uas Conference in February 2000 one's ideas is to put them into described in the lst issue of tbe which, taking advantage of the practice, the Conference is also EU-US Newsletter (Marcb 1999. meeting of Centres' Directors planned to have an important More information about tbis foreseen by ECSA, will attempt to 'outreach' character, which will project can be found at its reach conclusions to promote an help bringing this fascinating ini internet uebsite, http://eucen- even more successful implemen- tiative closer to the non-spe- tefs.ofg,/ tation of the progmmme.And, cialised public.

EU Centres in tbe US - Sborts US graduate students visit Brussels... A group of 30 US $aduate students from the 10 EU Centres came to Brussels last 13 to 18 June on a visit sponsored by the Commission. The Programme was ambitious, and included several talks on the main European integrution subjects, as well as visits to the EU institutions and meetings with key players including our former Commissioner Leon Brittan. But the benefits of the visit went two-ways, since its objectives included the gathering by the Commission of insights into the functioning of the Centres, and the establishment of direct contacts with the participants. The visit was followed by a comprehensive evaluation by the participants which showed their commitment to European studies, and which will be a useful tool for the preparation of future events. ...and so do University leaders

On September 22 to 25, Chancellor Mark Nordemberg of the Pittsburgh University visited Brussels, accompa- nied by Dr Burkart Holzner, Director for International Studies, and EU Centre Director Ms Alberta Sbragia. They held several meetings at the Commission, where they encountered Mr D6payre - Deputy Director General ER and other members of the DG. They also visited the European Parliament, where they met key MEPs, among which Ms Read, Chairman of the EP US Delegation. In the last day of their visit they travelled to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg where they met the ECJ President Rodriguez Iglesias and his aides.

MrAndrew Balas, Director of the EU Centre in Missouri, also visited Brussels in September. During this visit he maintained a useful exchange of views on the programme with the US desk of the European Commission. First-hand impressions from a US student visit to Brussels

Visits to Brussels by US students in the framework of the EU Centres programme provide obvious academic and professional benefits to those involved. But there is also a human dimension. And this may sometimes provide us Brussels citizens with a refreshing insight of our capital's peculiarities.

A good example is the account published atter a recent visit by Mr Kelly Shaw, a graduate student from the Missouri University. In a very lively and funny style, he describes our city, which, 'Like most European cities, [...] did not grow as planned, but simply grew as necessary away from the city center'. Not that he does not recognise some positive - and somehow unexpected - qualities of the 'capital of Europe': driyers are, he finds, 'incredibly courteous to pedestrians. Crosswalks are obeyed, and people actually stop for people on the side waiting to cross the street' (we can not help but asking ourselves, is it so bad in Missouri?).

But obviously he has grasped the particularities of driving in our city: 'The right away in Belgium is indeed the "right away'', as even maior roads must yield to roads which approach from the right. For all intents and purposes, th€ sy& tem seems to work well, as most who approach from the right fly into the intersection with reckless abandon.'

Reckless indeed. But not all is negative. With a constructive critical spirit which is to be praised, he states that 'the United States needs an efficient train service like Brussels and the rest of Europe'.Amen.

Mr Kelly's liueljt account of bis uisit to Europe can be found at tbe Missouri EU Centre utebsite at b ttP :,/,/e u. m is s o ur i. e clu,/Vct i c e s/s b au. btm I TIES , after the Atlanta Conference

The Transatlantic Information Exchange System (TIES) is a project tuLticlt airns to promote Transatlantic cooperation using tbe Internet. This idea is 'at the intersection of the tbree trends of tbe 2Ist century - intercontinental cooperation, citizen enlpolaernxent and tbe internet.'

The project has the objective of Newsletter). recently launched (end of encouraging EU and US citizens, In its second year of operations August) a call for proposals for schools. universities. local TIES faces significant challenges. website design. authorities, associations, founda- The sustainability needs of the tions... to increase and enhance proiect will have to be More information about the Pos- their transatlantic contacts by addressed. For this second year, sibilities offered byTIES can be using electronic fora. TIES was TIES has stated its determination found in the internet at opened to public access in May to enter into a 'development http ://www. tiesweb. org,/ 1998 in London at the occasion phase' including implementation of the EUIUS Summit (see the of the objectives defined at the March issue of the EU-US Atlanta Conference.TlES has also

Europ earr Commission publishes L999 report on tlS barriers to trade

The European Commission released. on 3l August 1999 itsfifteentb annual Report on barriers to trade and inuestment in tbe United States.Its aim is to prouide an inuentory of obstacles tbat EU exporters and inuestors encounter in tlse US.

Significant barriers to trad€ still Economic Partnership of 1998, tionally agreed rules and disci- impede commerce with the not only to strengthen and con- plines, still need to be tackled. United States. European compa- solidate the multilateral trading The Commission remains firmlY nies continue to face significant system, but also to progressivelY committed to addressing these problems in trying to export to reduce or eliminate barriers that through the appropriate chan- the US. In this report on US bar- hinder the flow of goods, ser- nels (bilateral, plurilateral and riers to trade and investment, the vices and investment between multilateral). Commission draws attention to the EU and the US. The 64-page report covers tariff ongoing difficulties in transat- The EU-US Summit in Bonn on barriers, non-tariff, barriers. lantic trade, in addition to identi- 2l lune 1999 approved a set of inv€stment r€lated measures, fying a number of new barriers. "early warning" principles, that intellectual property rights, and aim at identifying and preventing services. In each of these areas This Report needs to be placed potential bilateral problems at an various significant problems in the context of a transatlantic eady stage, in order to prevent remain.The report is available on economic relationship which has conflicts and facilitate problem the Internet both as part of the gfown particulady strongly over resolution before they risk Commission's Market Access the years, to the benefit of both undermining the much broader Database (http : / / mkaccdb. eu. int) economies, and which is under- EU-US relationship. and at pinned by the most extensiYe The fact remains that a consider- (http : / / eur opa. eu. intlcomm/ trade and investment links in the able number of imPediments, dgO1/eu-us.htm). wodd. Moreover, the RePort ranging from more traditional must be seen against the back- tariff and non-tariff barriers, to ground of the joint commitment, differences in the legal and regu- in the NewTransatlantic Agenda latory systems, or due to the of 1995 and in the Transatlantic absence or limitation of interna-

13 Eu wins'WTO export subsidies case

On September 17, aworld Trade Organization (VTO) dispute panel found tbat US export subsidies granted througb "Foreign Sales Corporations" (FSCs), couering around S25O billion uortb of US exports, are in uiolation ofWTO rules.

For years, US companies have sold for domestic use.With the tem before October 1,2000. taken advantage of income tax W'TO's confirmation that FSCs are Failing to do so, the EU would relief by establishing indeed an illegal export subsidy, have the right to seek compensa- FSCs in tax hayen countries, like exclusively reducing the tax lia- tion or impose sanctions, as the the Virgin Islands and Barbados. bility of US firms exporting US US has done in the banana and The EU has goods, the US will have to bring beef disputes with the EU. consistently maintained that the this long-standing program - and FSC scheme violates the WTO its $2.5 billion in annual subsidies Agreement on to US companies - to an end. Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, which forbids tax Under the panel's ruling, and codes that favor exports unless an eventual appeal succed- compared with similar products ed, the US must abolish this sys-

New Name - and newVebsite for the Commission's IJS [Jnit

As part ofthe restructuration cur- ly in the process of being adapted nal_relations/index.htm. (to avoid rently being implemented by the to these changes. At the moment confusion, our old address will Commission, the US Unit belongs of closing our edition, our web- still be functional during the tran- from the lst October 1999 to the pages can already be reached sition period). External Relations Directorate, through the new External and has thus become Unit C.l of Relations webpage at the ER DG. Its website is current- http'. / / evopa. eu.intlcomm,/exter-

74 The Transatlantic Gastronomic Partnership

The subject of food safety is sidered the ultimate delicacy Americans could also help us to increasingly attracting the atten- among desserts. Eyebrows enjoy the wines we like without tion of European and US citizens, should not raise whenever cook- always having to pretend to be and very rightly so. Politicians, ing time exceeds three minutes. connaisseurs. The ultimate objec- legislators and administrators And let us be human, who could tive would be to abolish for ever across the Atlantic are aware of possibly deny hamburger-eating our cherished bllt complex eating this concern, and they work hard youngsters and frozen pizza- rituals (eventually this would to address it. President Prodi has addicts a second opportunity? have the effect of allowing us to pre- 'We engaged the Commission to have a certain responsibility, actually eat a non-negligible part sent a comprehensive paper on too. Actually, any help w€ can of the food served at a meal). food safeff before the end of the provide would only be fair retri- year, setting out a clear timetable comes bution: all this food from Let us thus go ahead with our for action and the various options Europe, I am afraid. new co-operation in culinary mat- on a possible food safety agency. ters. And why not making our All this is good and right. But The US could also help us greatly first objective the prohibition of what about the gastronomic side to improve our cuisine, maybe drinking milk with one's meal? of the question? This is not to be not by sending any food aid - that After all, as Hindu civilisations taken lightly, either. Everybody would probably be counter-pro- know well, cows deserye a cer- knows that a good relationship is ductive - but by maintaining their tain respect. Milk should not be often based on common tastes; so refreshing and de-dramatising wasted in a surrealistic combina- why not begin now to exchange approach to food. For example, tion with pork, chicken, or even culinary know-how and food, and Americans should keep on mak- beefsteak. In exchange, we can not only ideas? Indeed, this may ing endless fun of our nouvelle open an unexpected and promis- cuisine and its minimalist give up our unique Brussels ing new area for EU-US amounts of food served in enor- mitraillett€' , maybe together with Cooperation. mous dishes. Their irreverent the infamous butter-oil and all the approach to table arrangement moules of the North sea. Thus, for example, Europeans and rituals should also be pre- could try to remindAmerican citi- served and promoted; with US So, forget about Dialogues, work- zens that some culinary nuances help, we should one day be able ing groups and Summits: what we exist beyond salty chicken wings to limit to a reasonable figure the really need is aTransatlantic and sweet apple pie. Also, indus- number of forks, spoons and Gastronomic Partnership. trial ice cream should not be con- knives displayed at any meal. The

A mitraillette is basically a potato sandwich, very popular in Brussels (true) I'o. 7!

(0I (o I o TU zm EU-US News Volume I. number 3 oI

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Published by: European Commission Directorate-General for External Relations

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