The transatlantic relationship is irreplaceable. The EU remains fully committed to a constructive, balanced and forward-looking partnership with our transatlantic partners.
Shared values and common interests form the basis of our partnership with the US and Canada. This partnership is also rooted in our growing political and economic interdependence. Acting together, the EU and its transatlantic partners can be a formidable force for good in the world.
The EU and its transatlantic partners are in a better position to tackle the challenges that confront them on the basis of a common threat assessment. The ESS provides a convincing analysis both of familiar threats and of emerging threats such as massive terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, failed States and organised crime. Europe and its transatlantic partners stand united against these threats and are working to develop joint strategies to combat them.
The EU and its transatlantic partners should defend a common agenda based on the promotion of the rule of law, democracy and human rights, poverty reduction, health and environmental protection. The EU calls for an international order based on effective multilateralism. In this regard the European Council welcomes the sentiment expressed on this point by President Bush in his recent London speech.
Beyond combating immediate threats to security, the underlying factors behind such threats need to be addressed. We must further develop effective and sustainable policies and act together. Only by utilising the whole spectrum of means available - political, economic, civilian and military crisis management instruments - will we be able to tackle effectively the wide range of challenges we face.
Strong transatlantic cooperation is crucial for fostering economic growth and sustainable development. Particularly important in this respect is our common commitment to successfully conclude the Doha Development Agenda, to further enhance our bilateral cooperation notably on regulatory matters, and to work towards the full integration of all countries into the world economy.
In order for the transatlantic partnership to yield its full potential, the EU-US relationship must be effective. The EU reaffirms its determination to build up further its capabilities and to increase its coherence. The EU-NATO relationship is an important expression of the transatlantic partnership. The operational capability of the EU, a key objective of the overall development of ESDP, is enhanced by the permanent arrangements, in particular Berlin Plus, which provide the framework for the strategic partnership between the two organisations in crisis management.
It is vital to maintain a permanent dialogue as strategic partners. The EU attaches the utmost importance to the dialogue on crisis prevention and management, which is proving so effective in the Balkans. Europe and its transatlantic partners will continue to work together in the same spirit towards the restoration of peace and stability in other areas struck by conflicts. In this context, the EU welcomes the positive results of the meeting held with Secretary of State Powell in Brussels on 18 November.
Transatlantic relations go beyond governments. The links between business communities and societies are the bedrock of those relations. The EU will encourage all forms of dialogue between legislative bodies and civil societies of the two sides of the Atlantic.
Working together bilaterally and within the framework of multilateral institutions, the transatlantic partners will combine the vision and capabilities needed to address the challenges of our time. Now more than ever, the transatlantic link is essential if we want to create a better world.