Brussels, 05/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - Four days after the visit to Washington by German Chancellor and European Council President Angela Merkel, the question of consolidating transatlantic economic integration will naturally be on the agenda of Monday's discussions in the American capital between Commission President José Manuel Barroso and President George W. Bush. In the run-up to a major informal meeting in Davos at the end of the month, when some thirty trade ministers will be gathering (EUROPE 9333), the main topic of discussion will be reactivation of the Doha round of trade talks. Barroso sets the tone in a press release on Friday, saying: “The moment of truth for the Doha trade negotiations is fast approaching, and the US holds the key to making a deal possible in 2007”. He stresses the cost of delaying talks for any longer. The day before, after a dinner with Ms Merkel, George Bush said: “I believe we can get a deal done. It's just going to take a lot of will and a lot of hard work to overcome our obstacles”. “We are all aware of the fact that this window of opportunity that we have [for concluding the talks] is closing fast”, added Ms Merkel. On Friday, speaking through his spokesman, Peter Power, Peter Mandelson stressed the need for Europeans and Americans to show “leadership”. Mandelson is to accompany Barroso to Washington where he will be meeting his American counterpart, Susan Schwab, as well as the new Democrat Speaker of the Congress, Nancy Pelosi. Mr Power stressed the Trade Commissioner's view on who should make the next move, saying “The USA have to put on the table a genuine and serious agricultural offer on domestic supports”. He went on to call upon the US Administration and Congress, now held by Democrats, to closely collaborate in order to ensure that the round of talks is a success. (eh)