MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
28 May 2003
pursuant to Rule 42(5) of the Rules of Procedure
by Cristiana Muscardini, Gerard Collins and Luís Queiró
on behalf of the UEN Group
on transatlantic relations
B5‑0284/2003
European Parliament resolution on transatlantic relations
The European Parliament,
A. having regard to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001,
B. having regard to the broad coalition against international terrorism proposed under the leadership of the United States of America, following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001,
C. having regard to the war against Iraq,
D. whereas Europe and the United States have a vital, common interest in contributing to continuing global democratisation, and likewise to the modern management of public affairs, to the achievement of open societies and markets and a sustainable economy, and to respect for human rights and the rule of law throughout the world,
E. whereas cooperation between the United States and Europe has always played a key role in maintaining security and stability in the European/Atlantic region,
F. whereas the economic performance and social development of Europe and the United States are a matter of growing concern for both,
G. whereas cooperation between the United States and Europe should be a key factor in the good management of issues which are on a world-wide scale, such as trade, the environment, the fight against organised crime and drugs, and also the fight against poverty, disease and hunger in developing countries,
H. whereas Europe is once again unanimous in the light of the need to renew transatlantic relations,
1. Reaffirms its attachment to the values which underpin transatlantic cooperation, namely freedom, democracy, international peace and security, and human rights;
2. Notes that relations between the European Union and the United States were considerably enhanced in the years following the fall of the Berlin Wall;
3. Stresses that the security situation following 11 September 2001 is characterised by growing insecurity, reflected in new risks and new threats that no one country is able to tackle alone;
4. Regards the broad international coalition against terrorism, therefore, as an excellent means of deepening international political dialogue and of fostering transatlantic political dialogue with a view to addressing all the new priorities, despite the differing points of view seen during the war against Iraq;
5. Stresses the scale of the new dimension of threats associated with terrorism and with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, not least with regard to the protection of civilians and democratic institutions within the European Union;
6. Stresses that the primary task of the transatlantic dialogue must be to define the terms of the strategic partnership between the United States and Europe; this should include addressing the role of each in world and regional affairs, and the commitment of both parties to an international system based on the rule of law;
7. Considers that close cooperation between the United States and the European Union is essential, not only for the interests of the two parties, but also in the interest of the whole world, in connection with the resolution of problems such as the fight against poverty, environmental protection, world trade, cultural diversity, diversity of information, the digital divide and organised crime;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the national parliaments of the Member States and the candidate countries, and the President and Congress of the United States of America.