Der transatlantische Markt aus EU-Perspektive

In ihrem Artikel „The Construction of a Transatlantic Market: The role of the German EU-Presidency“ (Die Konstruktion eines transatlantischen Marktes: Die Rolle der deutschen EU-Ratspräsidentschaft), der auf der Internetseite von Confrontations Europe veröffentlicht wurde, betont die deutsche Europaabgeordnete der sozialdemokratischen Fraktion, Erika Mann, die positive Entwicklung des transatlantischen Marktes. Sie beschreibt weiterhin Möglichkeiten, wie die ökonomischen Beziehungen zwischen der EU und den USA vertieft werden könnten.

Despite rather poor political EU-US relations, figures show that strong economic ties have in fact improved in recent years, says Socialist MEP Erika Mann. The transatlantic market is the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world, and the transatlantic economic relationship in 2005 accounted for roughly 57% of the world’s gross domestic product and 40% of world trade.

However, as German chancellor Angela Merkel underlined in her speech in the European Parliament in January 2007, more effort can be made to deepen the transatlantic economic partnership. The signature of an agreement on regulations which could help to build greater harmony between the two sides on regulatory issues was put forward as one way to achieve that goal. 

Mann argues that the transatlantic market can also provide a basis for the removal of existing non-tariff barriers between the two sides. Despite probable obstacles, the need for improved co-operation between lawmakers and trust from consumers, barrier-prevention is seen as a new and interesting type of co-operation.

According to Mann, the idea of a deeper regulatory co-operation, supported by the European Parliament, could serve as a model for a new style of agreement with other countries. Nevertheless, it will require constant effort and support, as the idea is not popular everywhere. 

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