EU SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON ON 20th JUNE 2005

General overview at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/us/sum06_05/index.htm



EU - USA Summit, USA largest trade and investment partner of EU25
Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, issued data on trade and investment between the USA and the EU25 for the EU – US Summit which showed a steady growth in EU25 surplus for trade in goods.

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=STAT/05/80&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


EU-US declaration on working together to promote peace, stability, prosperity, and good governance in Africa, Washington
Joint statement about the continuing commitment for the US and EU to work together to help Africa.

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=PRES/05/158&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

And: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050620-3.html


EU-US declaration on working together to promote peace, prosperity and progress in the Middle East –Washington
Statement highlighting the continuing commitment for the US and EU to work together to promote peace in the Middle East.

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=PRES/05/163&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


EU-U.S. joint programme of work on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction – Washington
Statement of intent highlighting the continuing commitment for the US and EU to halt the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

Full statement at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=PRES/05/164&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


EU-US declaration on working together to fight against global piracy and counterfeiting- Washington
Statement highlighting the continuing commitment for the US and EU to work together to fight piracy and counterfeiting.

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=PRES/05/157&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

And: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050620-6.html


President Hosts United States - European Union Summit

Details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050620-19.html

And: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/


The United States and the European Union Initiative to Enhance Transatlantic Economic Integration and Growth

Details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050620-5.html


Joint Statement by the European Union and the United States Working Together to Promote Democracy and Support Freedom, the Rule of Law and Human Rights Worldwide

Details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050620-4.html



2005 Roadmap for EU-US Regulatory Cooperation - Sectoral Activities
Today, EU-US Leaders endorsed a concrete roadmap to improve regulatory cooperation. The “2005 Roadmap for Regulatory Cooperation” sets the agenda for a number of concrete regulatory cooperation activities between the European Commission and the US Government for the coming year.

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/05/213&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en



President Barroso’s Remarks At EU/US Summit Press Conference, Washington, Dc, 20 June 2005
" The World is a better place when Europe and the US work well together. And we can show results.

Full Details at: http://63.77.220.100/News/press/2005/2005065.htm


EU-US Summit boosts regulatory cooperation for more EU-US trade and investment
The EU-US Summit held in Washington agreed to boost trade and investment between the EU and the US by setting up a High Level Regulatory Co-operation Forum to facilitate the regulatory dialogue. EU-US Leaders also endorsed the “2005 Roadmap for Regulatory Cooperation” which sets the agenda for a number of concrete regulatory cooperation activities between the European Commission and the US Government for the coming year.

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/757&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

KEY DEVELOPMENTS: UNITED STATES

1st June: President Welcomes NATO Secretary General to the White House
President Bush discusses areas of mutual concern with Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer.

Full details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050601-1.html


2nd June: Secretary Condoleezza Rice Remarks With European Union Presidency Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and EU High Representative Javier Solana - Washington, DC June 2, 2005

Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/47140.htm


7th June: President Bush Welcomes British Prime Minister Blair to the White House
Bush and Blair press conference which discusses a number of areas of mutual concern and points towards the G8 Summit.

Details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050607-2.html


8th June: President Bush Welcomes Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to the White House
Press conference which they discuss US-Turkish relations.

Details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050608-1.html


June 8: Secretary Condoleezza Rice Remarks With German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer after Their Meeting - Washington, DC
Discussions concentrated on the Middle East, the situation in Europe and common strategic interests.

Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/47349.htm


14th June: First Quarter 2005 International Visitation Levels Up 13 Percent
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 9 million international visitors travelled to the United States during the first quarter of 2005, an increase of 13 percent over the same period in 2004.

Full details at: http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/PressReleases/0605/tourism_061405.html


15th June: DHS To Require Digital Photos in Passports for Visa Waiver Travelers
Visa Waiver countries must provide plan to issue "e-passports" in 2006

Full Details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/47984.htm


16th June: EU Welcomes US Decision on Implementation of the (USA) Visa Waiver Program Deadlines
EU Commission Vice President Franco Frattini, responsible for Freedom, Security and Justice has welcomed the US clarification regarding its biometric requirements for travel documents.

Full details at: http://www.eurunion.org/News/press/2005/2005063.htm


16th June: On-The-Record Briefing on UN Reform by R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Washington, DC

Full details: http://www.state.gov/p/us/rm/2005/48186.htm


16th June: Secretary Rice Travelling to the Middle East and Europe, Washington, DC
Press Conference prior to Secretary Condoleezza Rice’s trip to the Middle East and then onto Europe

Details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/48231.htm


17th June: Dialogue between the Ambassador of France to the United States, Jean-David Levitte, and Daniel Fried, Under-Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, New York
A discussion on “Democracy in the 21st century French and American Responses at Home and Abroad” held at The French American Foundation.

Full details at: http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2005/levitte_fried061705.asp


20th June: U.S. Department of State Invites Applications for Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program
The U.S. Department of State's Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program invites applications from U.S. citizen teachers and administrators at K-12 schools and two-year colleges who wish to participate in the Fulbright teacher exchange outside the U.S. during the 2006-2007 academic year.

Full details at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/48353.htm


June 22: Secretary Condoleezza Rice’s Remarks at the Opening Session of the International Conference on Iraq, Brussels
"So let us move forward together, toward the goals of freedom and democracy that we all share.”

Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/48440.htm


22nd June: Joint Press Availability Secretary Condoleezza Rice With European Union Presidency Foreign Minister and President of the Council Jean Asselborn, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, European Union External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and European Union High Representative Javier Solana After the International Conference on Iraq, Brussels.

Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/48471.htm


23rd June: Joint Press Availability Secretary Condoleezza Rice with British Foreign Secretary Straw, Canadian Foreign Minister Pettigrew, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Japanese Foreign Minister Machimura, French Foreign Minister Douste-Blazy, German Foreign Minister Fischer, Italian Foreign Minister Fini, and EU President Asselborn After Their Meeting in London
Press conference held after the Pre-G8 meeting of the G8 Foreign Ministers.

Details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/48580.htm


23rd June: Secretary Condoleezza Rice Remarks With French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy After Their Meeting, London
Press conference that mainly discusses the Middle East.

Full details at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2005/48480.htm


26th – 28th June: Chancellor Schröder's visit to the United States
Chancellor Gerhard Schröder arrived in Washington on June 26, ahead of a meeting on Monday with President George W. Bush. Also on the agenda during Schröder's two-day stay are a meeting with members of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and a visit to the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington.

Details at: http://www.bundesregierung.de/en/Latest-News/Information-from-the-Governmen-,10157.851735/artikel/Chancellor-Schroeder-s-visit-t.htm


27th June: President Welcomes German Chancellor to the White House
Press conference which they discuss issues of mutual concern.

Details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050627-1.html


28th June: More Than 30 Cities and 20 States And Territories Post Double-Digit Growth In Overseas Visitation In 2004
The U.S. Commerce Department reported 32 cities and 22 states/territories posted double-digit growth in visitation in 2004. Among the top 20 cities visited, New York City, Washington, Las Vegas and Chicago posted the strongest growth for 2004. Among the top 20 states/territories visited, Virginia, New York, Arizona and Utah posted the largest growth rates when comparing annual 2004 to 2003 visitation growth estimates.

Full details at: http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/PressReleases/0605/tourism_062805.html


30th June: Interview of the President by Foreign Print Journalists Pre G8 interview covering a wide range of issues.

Details at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050630-20.html

KEY DEVELOPMENTS: EUROPE

1st June: Working Together as Global Partners Speech given by Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, at The European Institute, Washington
Dr Ferrero-Walder concluded the speech by saying “We must see each other as partners pursuing a common purpose, and learning from each other along the way. Acting together in pursuit of a jointly defined agenda embedded in an effective multilateral framework, we can create a more just, prosperous and secure world for all.”

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/news/ferrero/2005/sp05_313.htm


3rd June: Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, speech entitled “The UN at the crossroads-signposting the way to a successful Summit” given at the International Peace Academy, in New York.
Dr Benita concentrates on a trio of linked topics; security; human rights; and development.

Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/05/323&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


7th June: Adoption of anti-Money Laundering Directive will strike a blow against crime and terrorism
The European Commission has welcomed the definitive adoption by the Council of Economic and Finance Ministers of the Third Directive on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing.

Further details: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/682&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


9th June: Pearson to Give Speech on the Unique Relationship Between the UK and the USA
FCO Minister for Trade, Ian Pearson MP delivered a keynote address on the close relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, to the Wharton Business School Annual Global Forum.

Full details at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391638&a=KArticle&aid=1115145865418


10th June: Chairman’s Summary of the Meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in Defence Ministers Session

Details at: http://www.nato.int/docu/pr/2005/p05-078e.htm


10th June: Speech by Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the European Commission at the IDEA 10th anniversary conference in Stockholm, on Democracy: its birth and growth.
A speech discussing the concepts of EU democracy and how it fits into global politics.

Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/05/342&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


13th June: Interview given by Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the “Le Figaro” newspaper, Paris
Includes questions on French/US relations.

Full text at: http://www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2005/blazy_foreignpolicy061305.asp


17th June: Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner, speech on The EU and America in the world economy, given at the German Marshall Fund, Washington DC
“ Our goal should be a transatlantic partnership of principle to tackle the shared global challenges of our time, between a strong internationalist America and a more united and effective Europe.”

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/05/361&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


21st June: Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Enterprise and Industry “EU-US Cooperation a Partnership for Growth”Luncheon Speech – Industry Ourtreach Event Washington, D.C.
A speech about the strength of the transatlantic relationship.

Full speech at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/05/372&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


27th June: European Commissioners Louis Michel and Peter Mandelson to participate in UN High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development in New York
European Commissioner for Development Louis Michel and European Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson will be in New York on June 27 and 28 2005 to participate in the UN High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development.

Further information at:
http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/799&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


28th June: Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner, “The progressive case for open markets”, Council for Foreign Relations, New York.
In this speech the EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson makes the progressive case for open markets, arguing that in the face of globalisation governments must develop a political response that addresses the needs of those affected by economic change while preserving the benefits of free trade and open markets.

Full details: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/05/395&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


28th June: EU Site Chosen to Host Groundbreaking ITER Fusion Energy Project
At a Ministerial Meeting of the 6 powers participating in the ITER fusion energy project, under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency chose the EU site of Cadarache in Southern France to host the reactor.

Full details at: http://63.77.220.100/News/press/2005/2005066.htm


29th June: Northern Ireland: Secretary Rice Meets with British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Hair
The United States continues to support fully the British and Irish governments’ efforts to implement the Good Friday Accords.


29th June: Commission presents a rigorous draft framework for accession negotiations with Turkey
The Commission proposed a rigorous negotiating framework for accession negotiations with Turkey. This document lays down the guiding principles and the procedures for the accession negotiations.

Full Details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/807&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


29th June: Interview of the President by Danish Broadcasting Corporation

Full transcript at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050630-19.html

KEY DEVELOPMENTS: TRADE AND BUSINESS ISSUES

2nd June: Summary of the EU’s revised services offer in the Doha negotiations
The European Commission has transmitted to the WTO the EU’s revised services offer in the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations.

Full details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/05/190&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


7th June: ITC Announces Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Stainless Steel Plate From Belgium, Canada, Italy, Korea, South Africa, And Taiwan
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty and antidumping duty orders on certain stainless steel plate from Belgium, Italy, Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

Full details at: http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2005/er0607cc1.htm


10th June: Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of some Allied Domecq brands and assets by Fortune Brands
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of various brands and assets of Allied Domecq plc (“Allied Domecq”) and of Pernod Ricard SA by Fortune Brands Inc. (“Fortune Brands”).

Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/714&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


13th June: EC and US block each other's first requests for panels in Airbus/Boeing disputes
At the Dispute Settlement Body meeting on 13 June 2005, the European Communities and the United States blocked each other's first requests for panels in their Airbus/Boeing disputes. The DSB agreed to revert to these matters at a future meeting.

Full details at: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news05_e/dsb_13june05_e.htm


21st June: ITC Announces Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip From France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, And The United Kingdom
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty and antidumping duty orders on stainless steel sheet and strip from Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Taiwan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. But that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on this product from France and the United Kingdom would not.

Further details at: http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2005/er0621CC2.htm


22nd June: Competition: Commission makes commitments from Coca-Cola legally binding, increasing consumer choice
The European Commission has adopted a decision under EC Treaty competition rules that renders commitments from Coca-Cola concerning carbonated soft drinks legally binding. These commitments will increase consumer choice in shops and pubs.

Further details at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/775&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en









Note: If you have any comments or if you wish to include any items for inclusion in future newsletters please e-mail me at:
duncan.ritchie@americaneuropeaninstitute.com.