U.S.-European Union Relations and the 2007 Summit

Publication Date: May 2007

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: International relations

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Abstract:

The U.S. Congress and successive U.S. administrations have supported the European Union (EU) and the process of European integration as ways to foster a stable Europe, democratic states, and strong trading partners. In recent years, a number of trade and foreign policy conflicts have strained the U.S.-EU relationship. Since the divisive dispute over Iraq in 2003, however, both the United States and the EU have sought to improve cooperation and demonstrate a renewed commitment to partnership in tackling global challenges. This report evaluates current issues in the U.S.-EU relationship ahead of the annual U.S.-EU summit on April 30, 2007, in Washington, DC. It will be updated as events warrant. Also see CRS Report RS21372, The European Union: Questions and Answers, by Kristin Archick, and CRS Report RL30732, Trade Conflict and U.S.-European Union Economic Relationship, by Raymond Ahearn.