MEPs debate on the report by Tonino Picula (S&D, HR) on the state of the transatlantic partnership, the need for more EU autonomy and how to cooperate with the Biden administration.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - USA (T)

LANGE, Bernd (S&D, DE)

ZOVKO, Željana (EPP, HR)

BÜTIKOFER, Reinhard (Greens/EFA, DE)

PICULA, Tonino (S&D, HR)

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC)

KANKO, Assita (ECR, BE)

TUDORACHE, Dragoş (Renew, RO)

The future of EU-US relations: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Tonino PICULA (S&amp;D, HR), We must reinforce both European Union's autonomy of decision and its autonomy affection from soft power to smart power. In concrete terms, together with the US, we should work to promote multilateral cooperation for a more equitable and healthier world. Fight against inequalities, cooperate better in search and technology development, and promote ecological transformation and peaceful resolution of the conflicts.

SOUNDBITE (German), Bernd LANGE (S&amp;D, DE), We do have things we disagree on with the US. The illegal tariffs on steel products is on the agenda, and if we don't find a solution by the end of November, we would double our counter measures. So like Airbus, Boeing, let's find a solution on this one. Let's find a compromise.

SOUNDBITE (English), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HRVP of the European Commission, There has been a strong partnerships and engagement with the US administration, certainly much more in a better way than in the previous one. Transatlantic partnership is vital and irreplaceable. But we need to place it in a stronger footing. August has been a wakeup call, and there are changes in the American society that have been making for many years. That will certainly affect the role of the US in the world. And after Afghanistan, the US has been sending a clear message about how they want to reorder their priorities facing China mainly, and we should be ready to adapt to the new situation

SOUNDBITE (French), Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HRVP of the European Commission, In the framework of the fight against terrorism, the United States have committed to strengthening their support to anti-terrorist actions in the Sahel being carried out by EU states in the communication. The United States also recognises the importance of European defence and stronger and better performing European defence, one which will provide a positive contribution to the transatlantic relations and is a complement to NATO's.

SOUNDBITE (English), &#381;eljana ZOVKO (EPP, HR), During the EU-US Summit in June this year, the leadership of the two blocks called for a strong transatlantic partnership a message that we welcome and support in our report that we will vote this week. However, over the last week, we have seen some weeks that we have seen some reality checks that have tested our relations in a matter of foreign affairs, security and trade. European People's Party has proposed to create Transatlantic Political Council as a platform to improve our communications channels and to avoid unnecessary tensions.

SOUNDBITE (English), Drago&#351; TUDORACHE (Renew, RO), First, and in the light of recent events, our American friends need to understand that trusted partners and allies consult one another before making strategic decisions. The world is no longer unique or bipolar, and acting alone is no longer a recipe for success. Our American friends should also understand that in their context with China, Europe can be a powerful ally. But Europe does not seem to take sides out of inertia or reflex. Europe has a strategic priorities, and they need to be factored into our transatlantic dialogue as well. They need to nurture our relationship and alliance.

SOUNDBITE (English), Reinhard B&#220;TIKOFER (Greens/EFA, DE), The report says we want partnership in leadership with the US. That leadership, of course, implies more responsibility. We cannot live up to that responsibility by transatlantic navel gazing, forgetting about the rest of the world. And even though in the conflict between democracy and authoritarianism, we know which camp we belong to. We cannot build that relationship either, just as a reaction to what China does and China's hegemonic plans.

SOUNDBITE (English), Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), The EU has to look at how to build up our strategic autonomy and regain diplomatic respect and dignity. Only then will we be able to earn a seat at any table. It's high time to go up on the global stage. So tonight in Slovenia, the 27 member states must deliver and not just have dinner.