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Bush, George W.

Bush to Emphasize Alliance with Europe in Address to Parliament

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Bush will emphasize the alliance between the United States and Europe as he addresses the European Parliament today, signaling a conciliatory tone on the Iraq war that has divided the two sides. The five-day trip will also include talks with European leaders who opposed the Iraq war, including German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, French President Jacques Chirac, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bush will call the alliance between Europe and North America "the main pillar of our security in a new century," according to excerpts released Sunday.

Bush's visit comes as he and European leaders face complex issues, including the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, Syria's role in the Middle East, and renewed hopes for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In today's speech, Bush will call peace in the Middle East "our greatest opportunity and our immediate goal." The economies of the EU's 25 members rival the USA's $11 trillion economy, and the EU constitution must be ratified by all 25 members to take effect.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bush will emphasize the alliance between the United States and Europe in his address to the European Parliament, citing it as the "main pillar of our security in a new century."
  • The five-day trip includes talks with European leaders who opposed the Iraq war, including German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, French President Jacques Chirac, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
  • Bush will call peace in the Middle East "our greatest opportunity and our immediate goal" and will emphasize the need for a strong partner in advancing freedom.
  • The EU's 25 members have a combined economy rivaling the USA's $11 trillion economy.
  • The EU constitution must be ratified by all 25 members to take effect.

Statistics:

  • The economies of the EU's 25 members rival the USA's $11 trillion economy.
  • Spain voted Sunday to approve an EU constitution.
  • The EU constitution must be ratified by all 25 members to take effect.

Sources:

  • "Bush to Emphasize Alliance with Europe in Address to Parliament" by Judy Keen
  • Reuters, Yves Herman (photo), Francois Lenoir (photo)

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