Foreign Minister Stubb at Chatham House: The New Atlantic Decade

In Foreign Minister Stubb’s view, the trend of development in EU-US relations has been favourable in recent years. These good relations are based on a common history, common values and a highly integrated transatlantic economy. In the emerging multipolar world, however, common values are not enough. A good example of this is the lack of a common approach at the climate summit in Copenhagen.

The changing global environment requires a new type of transatlantic partnership. Opportunities for revitalisation of the old “marriage” are offered not only by the changing external environment but also by internal development: the EU has ratified the Lisbon Treaty and is strengthening its foreign policy. In the United States, the Obama administration has demonstrated new pragmatism and is actively looking for partnerships.

Foreign Minister Stubb presented five concrete proposals for strengthening the transatlantic partnership:

1. A solidarity pledge. The EU and the United States would commit themselves to act jointly in a spirit of solidarity in the case of civilian crisis situations (such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster).
2. Measures to support a transatlantic green economy. The EU and US must show joint leadership in the global transition towards a low-carbon economy.
3. A fully-fledged free trade area.
4. Gradual opening up of transatlantic cooperation to other countries besides the EU Member States and the United States.
5. Establishment of a “marriage council,” i.e. a group of experts led by two prominent personalities from both sides. The group’s task would be to outline a set of proposals on how to reinvigorate the transatlantic relationship.

Additional information Jori Arvonen, Senior Political Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 50 553 6117, and Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Press Attaché to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 40 732 8340

Minister Stubb's speech