Why the US is destined to remain a 'European power' 

The dispute over the Iraq war brought with it "increasing bitterness" between the two blocs, which in turn is now leading to "widening political gaps" within the Union itself as well as with America, states the June paper. 

Heurlin believes this is not "a temporary split" and the "breach […] is likely to last a long time". He underlines that in spite of the divergences in EU and US policies, views on international affairs and interests, the two "remain bound together because the US is still the world's sole superpower". 

The author outlines Europe and the United States' interdependence, stressing that the US needs Europe to ensure its own security in the face of terrorism - a top priority for both powers. 

Nevertheless, he highlights the "asymmetrical" nature of the relationship "because of America's extended influence over Europe," saying: "It is this influence that continues to make the US a 'European power'." 

Heurlin lists a number of reasons why America has such a huge influence in Europe: 

• The "strong economic presence" of the US, particularly the large number of American mutinationals based in Europe as well as significant American investment in the continent, makes it a "European power". 
• On a military level, US influence is considerable. It has 100,000 soldiers based in Europe. NATO made the US "the guardian of European security" and it "covers most of Europe". 
• When it comes to culture, the American cinema industry has a powerful influence over the Union as it accounts for the "largest" provider of films and TV programmes; its impact extends to the Americanisation of European culture. The author makes a connection between this phenomenon and the importance of the English language, which has become "the second language for many". 
• Politically, the "United States is heavily engaged in European affairs". It is a strong supporter of European integration and calls on the EU to "expand", says the author. An American priority is to have Turkey integrated into Europe, but it encourages Ukraine and other states from the former Soviet Union to take part in it too. 

The paper stresses the intertwined nature of the EU-US relationship, which is "structurally bound together". 

Heurlin concludes by quoting the Norwegian historian Geir Lundestad: "Most key (US) policymakers concluded that however harmful European integration might be to some American interests, on the whole such integration was beneficial to the US, even economically."