Skip to content
Magazine
Saturday, August 2, 2025
SUBSCRIBE
  • About Us
  • Belgium News
    • Belgium Police News
    • Brussels News
  • EU Institutions News
    • European Commission News
    • European Parliament News
    • European Council News
  • Europe News
  • World News
  • Belgium Business News
  • Culture and Society News
  • In Depth
    • Ambassador’s Corner
    • The American Angle
    • Sustainable Perspective
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Place de la Bourse
    • The Macro-Economist
    • Southeast Europe
  • About Us
  • Belgium News
    • Belgium Police News
    • Brussels News
  • EU Institutions News
    • European Commission News
    • European Parliament News
    • European Council News
  • Europe News
  • World News
  • Belgium Business News
  • Culture and Society News
  • In Depth
    • Ambassador’s Corner
    • The American Angle
    • Sustainable Perspective
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Place de la Bourse
    • The Macro-Economist
    • Southeast Europe
SUBSCRIBE

EU-US – a new chapter on an alliance that shapes the world

Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP by Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP
7 December 2021
in Opinion
EU-US

Brussels (Brussels Morning) The Trade and Technology Council (TTC), launched on 15 June at the EU-US Summit in Brussels, covers several critically important themes for transatlantic cooperation, ranging from global trade, economic and  technology issues to Data and Artificial Intelligence. The ultimate goal, however, is even more ambitious. What is at stake is nothing less than to start a new chapter of a strategic alliance that, however challenged in recent years, remains essential not just for these two economies but for the entire world. Now, probably more than ever.

Certainly, this was clearly the message that emerged from the first Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue (TLD) meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 29 September. On that occasion, both EU and US representatives highlighted that the fields covered by the TTC are the ones that will provide us with the solutions that are needed to fight climate change, manage the fast-paced technological revolution under way and/or ensure adequate and fair supply chains.

I personally witnessed the same willingness to cooperate when visiting Washington at the beginning of November as a member of the European Parliament Commission on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). This mission entailed all the traditional elements of a political event, including high-level meetings at the White House and Congress, but also a lot of concrete, ground preparing work. 

Within three days, we had met with officials from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, the Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, the American National Standards Institute, The Office of Science and Technology in the White House, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, along with several associations and interest groups from the private sector.

There is a genuine commitment to move forward on key strategic issues, the reason being that both the US, under the Biden Administration, and the EU have come to realise that they have much to gain from aligning positions and sharing capabilities. Whether we are talking about data processing and security, adopting adequate standards and reducing carbon emissions or dealing with different global menaces, each side brings something to the table. Together, they are more than just the sum of their parts.

The two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, enabled by research done in the European Union, with European funds, and leveraged by the investment made by large US pharmaceuticals, are just one example of what these two powerhouses can accomplish when they combine efforts.

For a long time now, I have been arguing that the EU needs to regain competitiveness and sovereignty in critical areas, such as the digital economy and in terms of industrial output. However, this does not mean that we should isolate ourselves from the world or forfeit chances of cooperation. Especially with partners that share so much with us already.

This relationship should also include, if not shared norms and standards, at least a level playing field on critical matters, including climate and energy but also cybersecurity and data sharing, health data especially, which is increasingly important for both parties. Currently, because of its different interpretations, the GDPR makes cooperation in health research more difficult.

Together, the US and the EU account for more than 830 million citizens and represent over 50% of global GDP. They also have the largest bilateral trade relationship in the world, amounting to around one trillion euro. Moreover, they share a deep historic and cultural connection and have political systems that, despite their differences, are grounded on the same core democratic values.  

It is important to note that the balance of powers in the United States could change after the 2022-midterm elections. Therefore, it is extremely important to make good use of the current willingness to cooperate and advance quickly and decidedly on all the issues now under discussion.

Related News:

  • Bulgaria, North Macedonia announce new chapter in relations
  • EU and UK open ‘new chapter’ with Northern Ireland Protocol deal 
  • From Prisoner to President: How Faye’s Manifesto Became a New Chapter for Senegal
  • NATO to hold a special ceremony to mark Sweden joining the Alliance
Tags: Brussels DirectMEPNewsOpinion section
Next Post

ECB announces plan to redesign euro bills

Latest post

EU-elections-UK

EU elections: UK looks on from the “outside”

1 year ago
Galeries-Royales-Saint-Hubert

What Makes Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert an “Institution”?

1 year ago

Most Read

    Follow Brussels Morning
    Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

    Browse Important News

    Belgium News
    Brussels News
    Culture and Society News
    Economy News
    EU Institutions News
    European Commission News
    European Council News
    European Parliament News
    Europe News
    Health And Fitness News
    Southeast Europe News
    Sustainable Perspective
    World News
    Diplomacy News
    US Elections News

    About Us

    Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.

    More Info

    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Cookies Policy

    Join Our Newsletter

    Brussels Morning Newspaper – All Rights Reserved © 2024

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Belgium News
      • Belgium Police News
      • Brussels News
    • Brussels Bubble
      • European Parliament News
      • European Commission News
      • European Council News
    • Wider Europe
      • Member States
    • World News
    • Business & Society
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Culture & Society
    • Policy Talks
      • Place de la Bourse
      • The Macro-Economist
      • Sustainable Perspective
      • Ambassador’s Corner
      • The American Angle
      • Southeast Europe
    • Print Magazine

    Brussels Morning Newspaper - All Rights Reserved © 2020

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT