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CSIS Europe Program E-Watch Summary - September 2006

Core Content

The CSIS Europe Program E-Watch for September 2006 provides a comprehensive overview of recent events, analyses, and publications related to European Union (EU) and transatlantic relations. It highlights key developments in political, economic, and security spheres, as well as the ongoing efforts of the CSIS to foster dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and Europe.

Main Events

• September 8–10: U.S.-France Bilateral Dialogue

  • Hosted by the CSIS Europe Program with support from European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company and Northrop Grumman.
  • Topics included U.S.-France defense cooperation, the rise of China and India, the Middle East, Russia, and the U.S. and French elections.

• September 13: Meeting with Polish Defense Minister Radek Sikorski and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England

  • Focused on U.S.-Polish military and strategic relations, especially Poland's role in NATO operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

• September 15–17: NATO Summit and Beyond in Riga, Latvia

  • A working group on NATO and EU relations held its first meeting in Riga, with a second planned in Berlin in December.
  • Parallel discussions on EU and U.S. relations took place earlier in the year.

• September 22: Conference in Honor of the Finnish EU Presidency

  • Organized by the CSIS Europe Program and the Embassy of Finland.
  • Topics: EU enlargement, economic opportunities and risks, partnership and security, democracy and stability.

• September 26: Statesmen’s Forum with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis

  • Discussed Greece's role in promoting an integrated strategy for Southeast Europe and other foreign policy priorities.

News & Analysis

Counterterrorism

• The EU intensified efforts to improve anti-terrorism measures following the foiling of a terror plot to destroy transatlantic flights.
• Proposals included training Muslim clerics, creating a counter-terrorism task force, and using biometrics for passenger screening.

Enlargement

• Romania and Bulgaria face potential restrictions on EU membership in areas like justice, agriculture, and public health.
• Turkey's EU accession is at risk due to ongoing disputes with Cyprus, despite its importance to regional stability.

Economics & the Euro

• Germany and Italy announced tax increases to reduce deficits amid slowing global growth.
• The Eurozone faces economic uncertainty due to rising interest rates and a strong euro.

Member States Updates

• United Kingdom:

  • Tony Blair announced his intention to step down as Prime Minister within a year.
  • Domestic support for Angela Merkel is waning despite her global influence.

• France:

  • Segolene Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy highlighted differing visions for EU development in their presidential campaigns.
  • France experienced its best economic growth in 20 years.

• Germany:

  • Interior ministers agreed on a new terrorist database after years of debate.
  • Germany will comply with the EU Stability Pact, bringing its deficit under 3% of GDP.

• Italy:

  • A new government shifted towards EU alignment, demonstrated by a peacekeeping offer in Lebanon.
  • Merged its second and third largest banks, creating a major Eurozone competitor.

• Spain:

  • Preparing for preliminary talks with ETA to end the conflict.
  • The EU urged assistance to combat illegal immigration.

• Poland:

  • Announced a commitment to send 1,000 additional troops to Afghanistan in 2007.
  • Launched an EU charm offensive to reassure allies of its commitment.

Transatlantic Relations

EU and U.S.

• Ongoing negotiations on data sharing between the U.S. and EU for transatlantic flights.
• The U.S.-UK extradition treaty was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

NATO and Defense

• NATO failed to secure the necessary 2,500 troop commitments for Afghanistan operations.

Economic and Trade Relations

• The Eurozone is creating more jobs than the U.S., indicating a shift in economic power.
• U.S. proposals for IMF reform face resistance from European countries.

Key Publications and Reports

• "Moment of Reflection, Commitment to Action" by Simon Serfaty:

  • Examines the state of EU politics and the U.S.-EU partnership.
  • Provides recommendations for enhancing European integration and transatlantic cooperation.

• "Trusted Partners: Sharing Technology Within the U.S.-UK Security Relationship":

  • Proposes the creation of "trusted communities" to facilitate defense technology sharing.
  • Part of the Initiative for a Renewed Transatlantic Partnership.

• "Visions of the Atlantic Alliance" (CSIS Press, 2005):

  • Edited by Simon Serfaty, featuring contributions from leading scholars on transatlantic issues.
  • Available at CSIS Press.

• "The Future of the U.S.-EU-NATO Relations" (2005):

  • Analyzes the future of the transatlantic alliance, focusing on institutional and security challenges.
  • Available at CSIS Europe.

• "Test of Will, Tests of Efficacy" (2005):

  • Outlines a six-point agenda to strengthen transatlantic ties, including counter-terrorism and EU defense.

Europe Program Director: Robin Niblett

• Recent Publications:

  • The strike fighter tests transatlantic ties (Financial Times, 2006)
  • Europe Inside-Out (The Washington Quarterly, 2005–2006)
  • Diverging paths hurt U.S. and Europe (International Herald Tribune, 2005)

• Outreach Activities:

  • Interviewed by BBC, CNN, and others.
  • Featured as a lecturer on EU enlargement, transatlantic relations, and radical Islamic terrorism.

Europe Program Senior Adviser: Simon Serfaty

• Recent Publications:

  • Vital Partnership: Power and Order America and Europe Beyond Iraq (Rowman & Littlefield, 2005)
  • A Challenged and Challenging Europe: Impact on NATO-EU-US Relations (International Spectator, 2006)
  • Terms of Estrangement: French-American Relations in Perspective (Survival, 2005)

• Outreach Activities:

  • Featured as a lecturer at various institutions in the U.S. and France.
  • Participated in seminars on EU enlargement and transatlantic security.

Other Europe-Related CSIS Program News

• New European Democracies Project:
  • Previously known as the East Europe Project, it now focuses on new EU member states.
  • Publishes a weekly newsletter called Select Briefing via email every Friday.
  • Subscription details: nedp@csis.org

Contact Information

• For more information or to RSVP to events, contact Natalia Filipiak at (202) 775-3138 or NFilipiak@csis.org.
• To unsubscribe from the E-Watch, send an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line to NFilipiak@csis.org.

Summary of Key Themes

• Strategic Dialogue: The U.S. and EU continue to engage in high-level discussions on defense, security, and economic cooperation.
• EU Enlargement and Integration: Concerns persist over the readiness of new members and the challenges of deeper EU integration.
• Counterterrorism and Security: Both the EU and U.S. are enhancing their security frameworks in response to global threats.
• Transatlantic Ties: Despite challenges, the U.S. and Europe remain committed to strengthening their partnership, especially in areas like defense and economic policy.
• Political Dynamics: Domestic political shifts in key EU and U.S. countries influence international relations and EU reform efforts.

This summary reflects the core content, main events, and key analyses featured in the September 2006 issue of the CSIS Europe Program E-Watch.