战略与国际研究中心-Europe-Program-March-2006-E_8页_968kb

CSIS Europe Program E-Watch Summary – March 2006

Core Content

The CSIS Europe Program E-Watch for March 2006 provides an overview of upcoming and recent events, news analysis, and publications related to transatlantic relations, European Union dynamics, and key geopolitical issues. The bulletin highlights the ongoing challenges and developments in areas such as defense, counterterrorism, economic integration, and political cooperation between the U.S. and Europe.

Main Events

Upcoming Events (March - April 2006)

• April 3rd: U.S.-Spain Bilateral Dialogue

  • A day-long conference with experts from the Real Instituto Elcano in Madrid.
  • Topics: Joint military efforts in Afghanistan, democratization in the Middle East, energy security geopolitics, and transatlantic impact of Latin American political changes.
  • Summary available at http://www.csis.org/europe/

• March 2nd: Statesmen's Forum with Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia

  • Focus: Modernizing NATO and transatlantic issues.
  • Audio/video available at http://www.csis.org/component/option.com_csis_events/task/view/id,902/

• March 2nd: Transatlantic Briefing for the British House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee

  • Topics: Nonproliferation in Iran and the Korean Peninsula, Middle East and counterterrorism cooperation.
  • Information available at http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/foreign_affairs_committee.cfm

• March 6th: Transatlantic Briefing for the Danish Parliamentary Defense Committee

  • Discussion: U.S. perspectives on defense technology and policy, and implications for transatlantic relations.
  • More info at http://www.csis.org/europe/

• March 8th: EACB Atlantic Leadership Awards Breakfast

  • Simon Serfaty honored with a lifetime achievement award.
  • Visit http://www.csis.org/zbc/ for more details.

Recent Events (February - March 2006)

• February 22nd: Transatlantic Marshall Dialogue with Joschka Fischer and Zbigniew Brzezinski

  • Topic: "The Future of Transatlantic Relations"
  • Audio file available at http://www.csis.org/component/option.com_csis_events/task/view/id,888/

• February 24th: Transatlantic Briefing for the German Federal College for Security Studies

  • Focus: Middle East, U.S. perspectives on NATO and ESDP, and counterterrorism strategies.

• February 27-28th: Task Force on the Future of the EU and U.S. Relations

  • Launched as part of a two-year project on Euro-Atlantic relations.
  • Led by Simon Serfaty, includes American and European bankers.
  • First meeting discussed "Europe Stalled: A Crisis? What Crisis?"
  • Keynote by Eva Nowotny available at http://www.csis.org/media/csis/events/nowotny227.pdf

News & Analysis (February - March 2006)

Integration

• EU Services Directive: Approved by the European Parliament on February 16.
• Iceland’s EU Membership: Driven by desire for economic stability via the euro.
• Serbia and Bosnia: Continued failure to cooperate on war crimes jeopardizes EU accession.
• EU’s Eurozone Debate: Hesitance to include Lithuania and Estonia due to Maastricht Treaty criteria.

Counterterrorism

• UK’s Terror Bill: Rejected by the House of Lords, with removal of provisions criminalizing terrorism glorification.
• Germany’s Defense Bill: Overturned by the Supreme Court, raising questions about homeland security.

Enlargement

• Spain’s Migration Policy: Announced lifting of restrictions on Eastern European workers starting May 1.
• Poland’s New Leadership: Skeptical about increased European integration.
• Russo-Polish Relations: Suggest signs of thaw following a visit by Russian adviser Sergey Yastrzembsky.

Transatlantic Relations

• U.S. Anti-Terror Policies: Defended by U.S. Attorney-General Alberto Gonzalez, but tensions persist.
• EU Defense Research Fund: Agreed to by European finance ministers to bridge U.S.-EU defense tech gap.
• Trade Barriers: Remain an issue despite telecom sanctions being lifted.
• EU and China: Dispute over car parts import barriers.

Key Publications

• "Visions of the Atlantic Alliance" (Simon Serfaty, ed.)

  • Published by CSIS Press, December 2005.
  • Focuses on U.S., EU, and NATO relations.
  • Available at http://www.csis.org/component/option.com_csis_pubs/task/view/id,2584/

• "The United States, the European Union, and NATO: After the Cold War and Beyond Iraq"

  • Report from the 2005 Think Tank Summit.
  • Written by Simon Serfaty.
  • Downloadable at www.csis.org/zbc

• "Test of Will, Tests of Efficacy" (CSIS Initiative for a Renewed Transatlantic Partnership)

  • Six-point agenda to strengthen transatlantic ties.
  • Includes topics like preventing Iran’s nuclear program, securing Ukraine, and strengthening European defense.

Key Contributors

• Dr. Robin Niblett: Europe Program Director

  • Recent publications and lectures include "Europe Inside-Out," "Diverging Paths Hurt U.S. and Europe," and "Transatlantic Relations at a Crossroads."

• Dr. Simon Serfaty: Senior Advisor and Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair

  • Publications: "Vital Partnership," "Italy and Europe – Focus on Structure, Not Personality," and "A Europe of Weak Leaders."
  • Engaged in various outreach activities, including lectures and seminars on EU enlargement, transatlantic relations, and counterterrorism.

Conclusion

The March 2006 E-Watch highlights the complex and evolving relationship between the U.S. and Europe, emphasizing challenges in political, economic, and security cooperation. It underscores the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing shared concerns, including counterterrorism, defense integration, and the future of the EU. The Europe Program continues to serve as a vital platform for analysis and engagement on these critical issues.