 Following the election of Barack Obama on Tuesday 9 November, EU leaders were quick to congratulate the new president-elect and voice hopes that his presidency will usher in a new era of cooperation and progress. Whereas President Bush has proven to be a divisive figure for the EU, is hoped that Obama will try to repair the strained relationship between the US and the EU through enhanced dialogue, particularly on the key issues of the global financial crisis, climate change and international development.
José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, said he wished to see a 'New Deal' involving the EU and US, which would include human rights, trade, the environment, the financial crisis and the fight against global poverty. "The current financial crisis can become a new opportunity for global governance," said Barroso. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown commented: "I'm looking forward to cooperating with the president-elect in building a new global society in which the advancement of people -- their homes, jobs, savings and pensions -- is always put first. We are in tough times and of course the fairer future is not certain. But the lesson from recent times and now from the Obama victory -- whether it be on financial instability, the creation of jobs or climate change -- is that only progressive answers, clear public purpose working for the benefit of all, can meet the big challenges we face." "The victory of President Obama could restore credibility and effectiveness in the fight against international terrorism," said Italian Socialist MEP Claudio Fava. "Credibility died under the Bush government because of the illegal, amoral and, above all, unnecessary extraordinary renditions. The Obama presidency could start a new era in EU-USA relations -- without American arrogance and, at the same time, without European submission." Sources: |
