EU Heads of State and Government and US President Barack Obama met in Prague on April 5th 2009 immediately after the G-20 Summit which took place in London on April 2nd, where issues of global financial architecture and the consequences of the financial crisis were addressed,  and after the NATO Summit held in Strasbourg and Baden-Baden and Kehl between April 3rd and 4thApril, focused on safety and military cooperation. At the Agenda in Prague, the position on climate change facing the Kioto protocol review, as well as some major issues on regional policy, such as  Afghanistan or peace process in the Middle East.

The Prague meeting allowed for a first political contact between the EU leaders collectively and the new US President, being the occasion for exchange of views on the most pressing and strategic issues of the day. The arrival of a new US administration is an opportunity for giving a fresh impetus to EU-US relations which are more important than ever. As Czech Presidency highlighted there is a need for “a strong transatlantic partnership based on politics of principles and common values”.

Climate Change

Tackling climate change at the global level is important and urgent. The EU has adopted an ambitious stance on this issue and invites the US to bring its full weight towards this fight. Together, the EU and the US will be in a stronger position to get on board key international actors and emerging countries and achieve an ambitious outcome at the UN negotiations in Copenhagen later this year.

The current economic downturn cannot divert attention from this goal. Rather the EU and the US should look for opportunities for renewed economic growth by applying new technologies and principles of environment friendly economy. They must also work together on helping developing countries reaching their own goals in terms of reducing emissions.

Cap-and-trade systems offer cost-effective solutions to reducing emissions. Bilateral work should continue in order to establish compatible systems which can eventually be linked.

Economic and Financial Issues

Economic issues were also on focus for the Prague Summit. EU Heads of Government and US President agreed that the crisis is both severe and global, and requires a strong policy response at all levels and across the world. The EU has taken important decisions in this respect, including a major economic recovery plan, which is also to stimulate employment. Furthermore, both the EU and the US have greatly contributed to the successful outcome of the G20 summit in London and are determined to work hand in hand to ensure implementation of the decisions reached.

The EU is particularly pleased that global financial regulation and supervision will be strengthened, and also welcomes the pledge to resist protectionism, being ready to join forces, including via the Transatlantic Economic Council, in order to preserve and strengthen transatlantic and international trade and investment. The EU and the US remain committed to reaching an ambitious and balanced conclusion to WTO Doha Development Round.

Foreign Relations Issues

Regional issues were also in the Agenda. Like the US administration, the EU wants to seek engagement and constructive ties with Iran, although there is growing concern about Iran's failure to comply with its international obligations in the nuclear area. The EU and the US are aligned in the fight against nuclear proliferation, and will continue to work together and with others on a dual track approach.

The EU welcomed the US decision to close Guantanamo and stands ready to cooperate with the US administration in that regard. It looks forward more generally to working with the US in the fight against terrorism, in full respect of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Regarding peace in the Middle East, the EU and the US both support a durable ceasefire, reconciliation and an inclusive government in the Palestinian Territories, substantive reconstruction and forward movement in the Peace Process through the Quartet towards a two-state solution.

The NATO summit held on April 4th, reconfirmed the long-term commitment towards stabilization of Afghanistan, with the summit declaration mentioning a role for the European Gendarmerie Force (EGF), as well as underlining the training activities conducted by the EU Police Mission on Afghanistan EUPOL. Afghanistan is a major issue for the US and the EU, and further expansion of the police training capacities in Afghanistan should be ensured, as well as intensification and coordination of the assistance in the areas of capacity building, good governance, rule of law and economic development. Ensuring free, fair and open elections in Afghanistan is crucial. The EU and the US support the role of the UN in this process and agree to work together with the UNAMA to ensure that the elections are well organized and properly monitored

The EU is committed, alongside the US, to giving further assistance to the development of sustainable civil government in Pakistan and to intensifying counter-terrorism cooperation. The EU and US will also focus on deepening the economic and trade relations. The EU will hold the summit with Pakistan in the second half of June.