New Year's Challenge Winners

What New Year’s resolution do you think the U.S. should adopt in its work with the EU?

 "The United States and Europe should redefine a benevolent, beneficial strategic partnership that embraces the common interests, rather than what would drift them apart. It becomes increasingly important to provide solutions to reconcile Europe's soft power with America's hard power, as both are required to address transnational security threats. As Russia wants to reassure its superpower-status and flexes political muscle, Europe and the United States should discuss how to deal with this crawling bear." 

Preben (Belgium)

 

"Make less of distinction between the transatlantic and the transpacific agenda. Rather than telling each side that they are the most important partner of the US, make a real commitment to multilateralism. " 

Max  (Austria)

 

"Cooperation at First Responder level in addressing common security threats".

Reasons: In the event of a terrorist threat or a terrorist attack, First Responders (ie, Police, Fire, Paramedics) provide the citizens with the first line of defence. Exchanging best practices at transatlantic level (eg. pilot programs) would greatly improve awareness and preparedness of first responders in the face of threats and attacks. Most importantly, first responders hold the closest ties to the communities and such a cooperation would contribute towards increasing citizen's awareness, security and defence on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Bruno (Portugal)

 

The Obama administration needs to commit to multilateral trade; the impacts of global economic problems are yet to fully materialise, and US partnership with the EU and all other leading trade actors is crucial in avoiding wider use of protectionist measures, particularly in light of the limits of the scope of WTO obligations.

The passing of the healthcare bill by the Senate should allow a greater focus on trade policy, and this could help drive the increasingly beleaguered Doha Round towards a conclusion steps to remedy apparent American disinterest would include the confirmation of Michael Punke, and the Presidents long-awaited outline of his trade agenda.

Alwyn (Britain)

 

The U.S. should adopt a national strategy for transfering into a 'green economy' - not for the sake of international climate agreements but for the US's own economic growth and independence. The goal should be to become a world leader in R&D fields such as 'energy efficiency' by for instance investing into zero emissions technologies.

Diana (Germany)

 

In my view, the US should sign a binding “bilateral” transatlantic agreement with the EU on combating climate change, which would include binding targets on cutting CO2 emissions. This would send a strong message to the rest of the world, showing that these two major economic blocks are really serious when it comes to climate change. I am aware that it would be extremely challenging to get Congress to agree to this; however, this would be the one way out of the Copenhagen deadlock and a chance for the transatlantic partners to lead on this crucial issue.

Christina (Germany)

 

 I would address public misconceptions about the USA and European nations held by Europeans and Americans, respectively. I am regularly amazed and painfully amused by the knowledge that many Europeans believe that they have about the United States. The widespread underestimation of the geographical size, individual diversity, and political and legal complexity of the USA is only overshadowed by the stereotypes in which this underestimation is represented. Amusing misconceptions range from the widespread fear of "being sued" while in the USA to the surprise of many to learn that there is no official language in the USA. Considering the amount of American pop culture that pervades European society, I believe that the desire to know more about the real USA is there. It may be more difficult to address American stereotypes about Europeans, which are, in my experience, more vague and frequently based erroneously on American immigrants rather than actual European citizens.

Linda (USA)

 

My own New Year's resolution is to be more generous, gracious, and grateful, and I think that these are simple values that could help guide the US as a leader as well.  

Alison (USA)

  

When it comes to prioritizing your busy transatlantic agenda, I'd suggest to lay a large focus on fighting climate change and trying to reconcile the different approaches taken on both sides of the Atlantic. Too much time has been wasted and there will be no chance to turn the wheels back once mankind has missed its opportunity. This is clearly an issue that affects everyone and has so far been largely neglected by the various Transatlantic Agendas.

Marcel (Germany)