Finding the Right Balance

Europe and the US are adjusting to a new period of partnership as the world power equation realigns following the election of President George W. Bush. As economic reforms take hold throughout Europe, the longer-term outlook across the European Union still looks positive

However, the transatlantic commercial and business relationship is being affected by a slowdown in the EU economy and a number of long-running trade and environmental disputes. In defence and foreign policy, the perception that US priorities are moving away from Europe poses a challenge for European decision-makers. But this could also spur fresh attempts towards integration in foreign policy and defence to match the efforts already made in the monetary sphere.

The German-British Forum, a registered charity without party political affiliation established in 1995, brings together practically-minded people to build a stronger partnership between the two countries. The GBF has a particular interest in fostering educational and work exchanges and encouraging the two countries to learn from each other’s best practices in the fields of business, economics and social policy. The Forum works closely with a number of corporate, governmental and policy organisations in both countries to help ensure a rational and fair-minded debate takes place at all levels on the positions of Britain and Germany in a modern Europe.