On Wednesday 12 September, the European Parliament encouraged transatlantic ties to be strengthened, regretting the "America First" policy of the Trump administration.
While the report by Elmar Brok (EPP, Germany) on the relationship between the EU and USA (which was adopted by 490 votes in favour, 148 against and 51 abstentions) questions "the relevance" of transatlantic ties for the EU's US partners, it considers that it is important "to strengthen the relations", which are the "essential guarantee of global stability".
"The issues that bring the US and EU closer together should definitely prevail over those that divide them", MEPs advise, warning against unilateral decisions that only weaken the transatlantic partnership. This partnership should be a partnership of equals, they say. In order to overcome the current challenges and continue working on global and regional issues of common interest, a summit should be held "as soon as possible", Brok's report states.
While regretting the US decisions, the European Parliament would like the EU to work with Washington on issues linked to trade in the framework of WTO rules. The Parliament calls for the EU's full and definitive exemption from the application of US customs duties on steel and aluminium, and it calls on the Commission to respond "firmly" if these duties are used to reduce European exports. According to the Parliament, cooperation will be needed to strengthen the work on fighting overcapacity in steel in the framework of the G20, and on unfair trade practices and policies.
Despite the difficulties, the MEPs support a new transatlantic trade agreement which should be "balanced and mutually beneficial". While deeming it "impossible to negotiate (a new trade and investment agreement) under pressure and under threat", the MEPs call on the Commission to resume the negotiations "in good conditions".
In addition, the MEPs call for better cooperation in foreign policy, notably on the EU's neighbouring countries, Africa, Syria, Iran, the Middle East, North Korea and security and defence.
They also suggest strengthening the EU-US relationship on cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, the fight against tax fraud, energy, climate change, digital and migration. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)