Trans-Atlantic ties

US Vice President Joseph Biden on Thursday said the world had changed since the days of Ronald Reagan, the last president to address the European Parliament. He said that the Obama administration strongly supported a "vibrant European Union", and made clear that differences between the EU and the US should not discourage cooperation.

"We've disagreed before, we'll surely disagree again," said Biden. "But I'm equally convinced that the United States and Europe can meet the challenges of the 21st century. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

In a speech immersed in ceremony, Biden was warmly welcomed by European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek, who spoke of the common threats to America and Europe.

"Without the strong and effective trans-Atlantic partnership as equal partners, the United States and the European Union, we cannot find lasting solutions to many challenges we face," Buzek told parliament.

Cold shoulder?

Within Europe, there has been a perception that US President Barack Obama has been more interested in China and India. But Biden insisted that Europe and America need to stand firm on Afghanistan, or risk losing the fight against global terrorism.

He also called on European leaders not to underestimate the nuclear threat posed by Iran.

"Iran's nuclear program violates it's obligations under the non-proliferation treaty and risks sparking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East." Biden told parliament. "Tehran faces a stark choice – abide by international rules and rejoin the community of responsible nations, which we hope for, or face further consequences and increasing isolation."

Biden said Iran's unwillingness to negotiate with the international community would give rise to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Other issues

There have been other differences of opinion between the US and EU, namely over data sharing, counter-terrorism tactics, and trade.

Specifically with regard to data-sharing, Biden tried to convince European politicians that a controversial bank data exchange scheme known as the SWIFT agreement was needed to fight against terrorism.

The agreement would have let US officials access bank transfer data held in the EU to trace any terrorist financing. European parlimentarians vetoed the scheme, saying it would violate EU privacy rights.

Despite the differences, European lawmakers seemed to want the vice-president to get the impression that Europe and America are on the same side.

Author: Nina-Maria Potts (mk)
Editor: Rob Turner