Conference notes EGMONT

Summary; this is not an official record of proceedings and specific remarks are not necessarily attributable.

Voigt considers three key dates as major events in the globalised world: 26/12/2004- the humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia caused by the tsunami; the 9/11 terrorist attacks; 11/9/89- end of cold war.  He wonders if the tsunami will have the same importance as the 9/11 events.  It is clear that consciousness of living in one world has grown. The disaster in Southeast Asia reminds us of the many remaining global challenges. Globalisation and the spreading of free market economies need to be flanked by a framework of international rules, norms and international engagement, according to Mr. Voigt.

The speaker emphasised that we cannot simply take stable transatlantic relations for granted. There are differences in political culture and the geopolitical situation has changed.

Voigt focused then on the transatlantic gap caused by misperceptions. Americans underestimate the EU. The EU is more than an international network focused on economy and trade. The EU integration process has nothing to do with a hostile attitude towards the USA. He hopes that Europe will not be seen as an opponent of US; it would not be in Germany's interests. He contradicted those in the US who define Europe's strong foreign and security policy as a negative development. To be relevant to the US, according to Voigt, a strong EU is a precondition for the transatlantic partnership. Cooperation between the US and the EU is in fact a precondition for global stability. In that context Germans must think and act globally. Europe must be more effective and become a strong pillar of NATO. This is the recurrent leitmotiv of ESDP.

Concerning power and influence Voigt refers to Europe's lack of effectiveness as one of the central problems in transatlantic relations. The US would quickly lose interest in a weaker Europe. He adds: the US is the only true global power in the military sphere. Economically, it is but one power among many. At the level of societal and non-state players, it used to be more attractive than any other country in the world. On the other hand, he fears that some Americans tend to overestimate the effects of their military force. They lose power by losing attraction.

Voigt is convinced that the US and EU are two poles of one system. We must make clear that we are strategic partners. Voigt points out that it is time for a new transatlantic bargain in which responsibilities and influence are rebalanced.