Strasbourg, 21/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - In the European Parliament on Wednesday, transatlantic issues were once again the order of the day, as were relations with Canada, a partner with which the Union has much in common, even though this takes place "quietly, unobtrusively", as Dick Roche said, on behalf of the Council. Yes, relations with Canada are not discussed much, because we have a pretty problem-free relationship, confirmed Commissioner Chris Patten, pointing out that Canada shares with the Union the concept of efficient multilateralism, amongst other things. Although relations with the United States have had their share of tension, they are "overall extremely productive", said Dick Roche, who added: "if the US and the EU work together, the world is a better place". The Council shares the citizens' worries about information on passengers on board flights to the US, but it also understands the States' real concern about terrorism, said the Irish Foreign Minister, adding: I have been to New York four times since 11 September, but only last week did I have the courage to visit Ground Zero. The solution on the table is "the best agreement we can get now" (or, to paraphrase Graham Watson on Cyprus, "the best worst solution"), said Dick Roche, noting that "the US will take the decision they believe is right for their security". Chris Patten noted that co-operation with Washington is better than competition on several dossiers: the fight against Aids, relations with China and Russia, the Middle East. Mr Patten announced that the Commission is to launch an independent study into the transatlantic agenda, ahead of the agenda's revision in 2005.