On Wednesday 11 November, MEPs called for a renewed transatlantic partnership, after the election of Joe Biden, but also to strengthen the EU’s autonomy.
“We can get the relationship back on track, based on trust, understanding and a forward-thinking partnership”, summed up Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany), hoping that the United States would re-engage and assume its responsibilities on the international stage.
For Angel Dzhambazki (ECR, Bulgaria), it is important to continue to maintain good transatlantic relations, “whoever the President is”. “We have to work together for the benefit of everyone”, he added.
Beyond this partnership, which was put to the test during Donald Trump’s presidency, MEPs felt that the EU should be more autonomous. “Things have changed in the last four years and the EU must fulfil its responsibilities as an international player”, said Kati Piri (S&D, The Netherlands), while recognising it was good to have an ally in the White House.
“We must build our Europe on our own strengths”, Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium) added. In her view, the EU has a duty to be strong alongside the United States, which would be in the interests of both sides of the Atlantic.
Ska Keller (Greens/EFA, Germany) drew the same conclusions. “Transatlantic relations have been badly affected (during Trump’s term). The teaching is that we ourselves must be strong and determined in our action”, she explained. “If we want to be taken seriously, we have to take ourselves seriously. We have to take responsibility for our actions, no matter who is in charge of the White House”, she said.
Furthermore, while Ms Piri wanted Joe Biden to be invited to address the European Parliament “to relaunch a new transatlantic partnership”, according to EU High Representative Josep Borrell on 11 November, the College of Commissioners discussed how to manage this new era with the US. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)