Kerry, Hagel On U.S. - European Relationship

2014-2-7

As they have been for decades, the United States and Europe remain the closest of allies and the most effective of partners, said Secretary of State Kerry. “It is important to understand this is more than just a measure of years; it is a measure of the most productive partnership in the history of international affairs, nothing less.”

Speaking at the annual Munich Security Conference in early February, Secretary Kerry said that more than ever, America needs a strong Europe, and Europe needs a committed and engaged America:

“We are facing threats of terrorism and untamed growth in radical sectarianism and religious extremism, which increases the challenge of failed and failing governments and the vacuums that they leave behind. And all of this is agitated by a voracious globalized appetite and competition for resources and markets that do not always sufficiently share the benefits of wealth and improved quality of life with all citizens.

Speaking at the same Conference, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel agreed that “Today, the most persistent and pressing security challenges to Europe and the United States are global:”

“They emanate from political instability and violent extremism in the Middle East and North Africa, dangerous non-state actors, rogue nations such as North Korea, cyber warfare, demographic changes, economic disparity, poverty, and hunger.”

These challenges will continue to grow, and they will become ever more complicated. Meeting them will not be easy, but throughout, “the U.S. sees Europe as its indispensable partner in addressing these threats and challenges, as well as addressing new opportunities,” said Secretary of Defense Hagel.

“The United States will engage European allies to collaborate more closely, especially in helping build the capabilities of other global partners. We’re developing strategies to address global threats as we build more joint capacity – joint capacity with European militaries. In the face of budget constraints here on this continent as well as in the United States, we must all invest more strategically to protect military capability and readiness.”

“Our challenge today is to ensure opportunity, security, and liberty for Americans and Europeans, but also for people all over the world who look to us for that possibility,” said Secretary Kerry. “Our challenge is to renew this partnership and to live up to the legacy of the world’s strongest alliance.”