Doc. 9785

10 April 2003

Reinforcement of the trans-Atlantic relations

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Olteanu and others

1.       The Parliamentary Assembly underlines that it is more important than ever to build up a stable world of progress, solidarity and peace, respectful of international law.

2.       The Assembly notes that, for more than 50 years, the trans-Atlantic partnership between Europe, the United States of America and Canada had a decisive contribution for the political stability and the strategic balance on the continent and in the world.

3.       This partnership is based on common democratic values, cultural common roots and common interests links.

4.       The Assembly deplores that, on one side and the other of the Atlantic, different visions on the world and contrasting interests have increasingly emerged and have culminated in the position adopted towards Iraq.

5.       The Assembly notes that the differences with the United States of America regard also different aspects of trade policy, international law, the International Criminal Court, international environmental law, bio-technologies, the death penalty, etc.

6.       Moreover, there is an increasing difference between mentalities on the two sides of the Atlantic and the adoption of a distant position regarding the United States of America is a characteristic of public opinion in many European countries.

7.       Nevertheless, the trans-Atlantic partnership represents a fundamental strategic priority for the European Union and for many other European countries, united within the Council of Europe. A long term dialogue is really necessary in order to be able to face the new regional and world challenges.

8.       The institutionalized communication between Europe and North America remains the best means in order to reach harmonized and complementary positions on the important issues of the contemporary world.

9.       The Assembly is convinced of the necessity to find now a new cement for reuniting more the Europeans and the Americans. The Assembly recalls in this respect the contribution of the 1992 Colloquy of the Council of Europe on "Europe and North-America - the dialogue of new solidarities".

10.       The Assembly appreciates therefore that a new Colloquy on Europe and North America should be organised in 2004 by the Parliamentary Assembly and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

11.       This colloquy should particularly :

a. examine the proposals for pro-active initiatives and concerted actions regarding the political issues, the juridical co-operation, the economic and trade matters;

b. stress the common interests in the fight against terrorism, against drugs and organised crime and to harmonize as much as possible the relevant criminal legislation;

c. be the starting point for a more pursued (and, if possible, institutionalized) co-operation between the American Congress and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Signed ¹:

Olteanu, Romania, SOC

Alís Font, Andorra, SOC

Brïnzan, Romania, SOC

De Puig, Spain, SOC

Gubert, Italy, PPE/CD

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Jařab, Czech Republic, LDR

Popa, Romania, SOC

Prisăcaru, Romania, SOC

Ragnarsdóttir, Iceland, EDG

Stoica, Romania, SOC

Van Raaij, Netherlands, PPE/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group