Schnabel cites turning point in EU-US “marriage”

Date: 10/07/03

By Martin Banks

EU-US RELATIONS have "turned a corner" after the battering they took during the Iraq war, according to Rockwell Schnabel, US ambassador to the EU.

He told European Voice the recent EU-US summit in Washington marked a turning point in the relationship which he likened to a marriage which had gone through a rocky patch.

"Occasionally, a relationship needs counselling but just because there are problems doesn't mean you go rushing off for a divorce," he said. Speaking in Brussels at an event to mark American Independence Day last week, he said: "My message is: "Let's bury the hatchet and move forward.'"

Although relations are "much better" than six months ago, he concedes there is still a need for a "better understanding" between Brussels and Washington.

However, his optimistic outlook was challenged this week in a report from the UK's House of Lords' sub-committee on EU foreign and security policy.

The report, A Fractured Partnership?, expresses concern that some in the US have an attitude to the EU which can be summarized as: "If you agree with us - fine. If you don't then get out of our way."

Lord [Michael] Jopling, the committee chairman and a former Conservative government minister, said: "Relations between the EU and US are at their lowest ebb for at least a generation and both sides will be losers if the relationship stays bad."

He insists Europe and America need to put more effort into repairing the damage. "The EU, for its part, needs to help shoulder post-conflict burdens in Iraq, without arguing about whose fault they may be, put its weight behind the Middle East peace process and build up its military capability," he said.