Objective observation. The relations between the US and Europe are thus in the midst of changing weight and nature (see this column in EUROPE 11121). Is it necessary to stress that this observation has nothing of criticism or regret about it? It's the reality and simply a point. There are no discoveries to be made - it's enough just to jig a package of indications around and to draw conclusions from them. The result of this is that many of the leading lights in political and economic life - especially in the US - are acting in line with this evolution.
Comments on language. The issue of language plays an increasing role. English was originally a crucial factor in the fraternity and understanding between Europe and the US. However, for a number of years, there has been a distinction between British English and American English - both in the presentation of books and other publications, and in the modern instruments of communication - and the separation continues to grow. In principle, English is already, and will increasingly be, the international language - used everywhere and which everyone must, or will have to, understand and speak to a greater or lesser extent. Yet experts and specialists point out that English is no longer a single language. Pretty much no one in the world - including the US - speaks or understands the language that Shakespeare used. No one will be able to read Shakespeare's work any longer, other than specialists.
A formula that is already old. What is more, I remember that even several years ago meetings and conferences between Asian countries were taking place in English because the local authorities were not able to organise translation into the countless languages of the countries participating. A single translation in English was generally understood. This system can be generalised by using the language which is spoken fluently in the US, which continues to evolve and which will be increasingly less that of London.
Ambitious project without a future. The US and EU negotiators for the TTIP (transatlantic trade and investment partnership agreement) recently met (in Brussels this time) and their work will continue until the end of the week (see EUROPE 11119). Those in charge are patient - they hope to be able to reach an agreement in principle … in early 2016! People's cautiousness can be understood because the TTIP's objectives are huge, the differences of opinion are countless and the reservation, critical comments and protests from bodies or associations concerned are multiplying. For example, the arrangements on free access for US energy to Europe are rejected by the US, and several other aspects under discussion are meeting with the reservation of the European negotiators.
Generalised opposition. In the circles concerned, rejection of the TTIP is unanimous. It's not only the leading players in economic activity who reject this project - a group of 120 European and US intellectuals has criticised the TTIP texts, and 148 organisations (including Greenpeace and Attac) are supporting a plan aiming to block it. As is well-known, this partnership aims at the creation of a Euro-American area in which not only would customs duties and other obstacles to trade be removed, but in which manufacturing and marketing standards for products would be harmonised - as well as those on investment. European autonomy in the management of its economy would disappear - and American too. And this would also go for services, food safety, public tendering, health controls and environmental standards. Absolutely everything would be made common.
All these negative reactions prove to what extent such an evolution is rejected - including by unions, consumer organisations and NGOs. Health Action International, which brings together European and American NGOs, has called for intellectual property in the field of health to be excluded from the TTIP - in the interest of patients (see EUROPE 11121).
It is nevertheless evident that the friendship and cooperation between the EU and US will not be compromised. They are going through an evolution which will, on the contrary, enable them to be boosted - in changed and renewed forms.
(FR)