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Vondra Speaks on EU and US in 21st Century

Friends of Slovakia and American Friends of the Czech Republic co-sponsored the eighth annual Czech and Slovak Freedom Lecture on November 16. Alexandr Vondra, Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic delivered a lecture at CSIS on the "EU and US in the 21st Century" examining the state of the transatlantic relationship.

Vondra discussed the future of transatlantic relations and stressed that the values and strategic interests of both Europe and the United States remain convergent. A community of values exists, which highlights a commitment to democracy, the rights of the individual above the state, and an emphasis on market economics. Furthermore, a dedication to combat international terrorism and assure energy security is also essential for the transatlantic community.

Vondra stressed that the United States has always been important to Europe, as a true partner and defender. The US role in two world wars, the Marshall Plan, NATO and support of liberation from communist regime is evidence of this.

Vondra discussed the areas of greatest strategic importance for transatlantic relations: security, economic cooperation, and energy. Security issues include the future of NATO, Kosovo and the European Security and Defense Policy. Vondra is a supporter of the US missile defense shield. This is a beneficial policy that will keep the US engaged in Europe.

Concerning economic cooperation, the EU and the U.S. currently dominate the global economy. The two represent nearly 60 percent of world economic output and are responsible for approximately 40 percent of world trade, with over 200 billion Euros (ca. $290 billion) exchanged every day. However, Brazil, India, and China all have expanding economies and are becoming increasingly more significant on the global market. Vondra contended that the EU and the US need to ensure they have a level playing field in the future. To do this, they need to foster cooperation and ensure their competitiveness within these markets. Neither the US nor EU members should be responsible for holding up the Doha round, and concessions need to be offered on both sides.

Finally, Vondra discussed energy issues. Access to energy resources has decreased and energy now influences a state's geopolitical position. Unfortunately, most energy resources are situated within authoritarian regimes. Vondra's proposals for increasing energy security include diversifying energy resources, increasing nuclear energy, and liberalizing the energy market.

In conclusion, Vondra emphasized that transatlantic relations must now be defined by the notion that both the EU and the US are equal partners. In this relationship, they must always have a global picture in mind, as any global problems would be difficult to solve without cooperation between Europe and the United States. Indeed, common interests and a sense of collective responsibility still unite these two powers and the transatlantic partnership is vital for global stability. It is necessary to keep this partnership strong, as the future will demonstrate that the transatlantic agenda is a global agenda.

The lecture was attended by a large audience including many FOS and AFoCR supporters. FOS Board members attending included Bill Tucker, Julie and Juraj Slavik, Ken Bombara, Ted Russell and Peter Rafaeli (who arranged this year's Freedom lecturer). On behalf of the FOS Board of Directors, Vice Chairman Bill Tucker and Founding Chairman Ted Russell presented Deputy Prime Minister Vondra with a Friends of Slovakia Medal of Honor following the lecture. AFoCR Vice President Peter Rafaeli presented Vondra with a certificate of appreciation from both the American Friends of the Czech Republic and Friends of Slovakia.