A Conversation with Her Excellency Roberta Metsola, President of The European Parliament
Standing at the crossroads of transatlantic challenges and opportunities, President Roberta Metsola’s visit to Washington, DC, underscores that the U.S.-EU partnership is not just historic but essential for safeguarding democracy and progress across the globe. On February 27, 2025, Meridian International Center, with the support of The Honorable Michael Ferguson of AT&T and Ms. Brittany Masalosalo of HP Inc., hosted Her Excellency Roberta Metosla, President of the European Parliament, for a Global Business Briefing. The Honorable Carlos Gutierrez, Meridian Board Chair Emeritus, moderated an open conversation on the future of Transatlantic relations amidst an increasingly more complex geopolitical landscape.
These Were the Program’s Key Takeaways:
1. A Historic Bond for Global Stability
The Transatlantic alliance remains unparalleled in its resilience and shared democratic values, even as the number of democracies worldwide declines. Leaders like H.E. President Metsola have emphasized that no other partnership is as deeply aligned or enduring as the bond between Europe and the United States. This support comes at a critical moment, as rising authoritarian tendencies threaten to erode democratic institutions worldwide. The renewed focus on this alliance underscores its vital role as a strategic economic and security asset and as a moral bulwark in an era marked by political uncertainty. With global challenges mounting—from the ongoing war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East to the severe impacts of climate change—the steadfast commitment to transatlantic unity is being hailed as essential for safeguarding democracy and ensuring global prosperity.
2. Cutting Through the Red Tape
The call for regulatory simplification has been a key aspect of transatlantic trade conversations. Leaders from both sides of the Atlantic stressed that overregulation stifles economic growth and hinders innovation during a critical period where speed and adaptability are paramount. Business leaders, policymakers, and academic experts alike agree that modernizing outdated legislation is crucial to unlocking the full potential of Europe's robust patent portfolio and world-class universities, thereby translating these assets into sustainable technological advancement and more competitive markets. The consensus was clear: Europe's competitive edge may wane without streamlined regulations, putting the broader transatlantic economy at risk. As the dialogue intensifies amid a rapidly evolving global landscape, the push for regulatory reform is emerging as a pivotal strategy to bolster economic resilience and secure a dynamic future for both European and American markets.
3. Tensions Rising Under Threats of Tariffs
Trade dynamics and tariff policies have recently emerged as pivotal issues shaping the future of EU-U.S. relations. In today's geopolitical climate, tariff threats are more commonly seen as a tool for domestic political leverage in the U.S., aimed at galvanizing support and amid contentious political debates. Yet, leaders from both sides of the Atlantic have warned that any escalation into a full-blown tariff war would be mutually destructive, risking significant economic fallout that could destabilize markets and hinder recovery efforts. In this context, there is a growing consensus on the need for a thorough evaluation of tariff costs and trade imbalances—especially considering complex issues such as payments for Ukraine—to ensure that the transatlantic economic dialogue remains both constructive and forward-looking. As policymakers navigate these intricate challenges, this proactive approach is essential for maintaining economic stability and reinforcing the strategic partnership between Europe and the United States.
4. Decarbonization and Innovation as a Single Goal
Climate policy and technological innovation are now at the heart of Europe's strategy to secure its global leadership. The EU’s new Competitiveness Compass strategy will take a competitiveness-driven approach to decarbonization, aiming to align environmental initiatives with robust economic growth plans. Efforts to decarbonize sectors like aviation and boost green fuel production must align with broader economic objectives, while simultaneously dismantling barriers to AI adoption. This integrated approach aims to harness Europe's research prowess and industrial strengths to drive sustainable development and innovation, setting the stage for a future where climate action and technological progress reinforce each other on the world stage. By doing so and doubling down on its climate objectives, the EU is differentiating its approach to competitiveness from that of the U.S.
5. Coordinating a Transatlantic Response to Geopolitical Shifts
Strategic security concerns are at the forefront of transatlantic discussions as geopolitical shifts, China’s expanding influence, and ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine underscore the need for stronger U.S.-EU cooperation. Leaders emphasize that aligning regulatory, economic, and defense policies before crises escalate is crucial to preserving global stability. Beyond military coordination, economic security is becoming a key pillar, with efforts to counter economic coercion, secure supply chains, and enhance technological resilience. As policymakers navigate these challenges, the transatlantic alliance must move from dialogue to action, ensuring it remains a pillar of international security and democratic resilience in an increasingly complex world.
Project summary
| A Conversation with Her Excellency Roberta Metsola, President of The European Parliament | February 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Impact Areas: | Business and Trade |
| Program Areas: | Corporate Diplomacy |
