March 25, 2007

Across Europe today, people are rightly celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. As the current President of the European Union, the German government is throwing a special birthday party at the Brandenburg Gate just meters away from the site of our new Embassy and the place where, almost exactly 20 years ago, President Ronald Reagan stood and made one simple demand: Tear down this wall. We have put up a giant birthday card on the walls of our new Embassy, applauding the first 50 years of the European Union because we believe that the EU is one of the great accomplishments of modern history.

In the years following World War II, Americans and Europeans joined together to build a new structure for peace. From the formation of the Committee of European Economic Cooperation and the European Coal and Steel Community to the creation of the Euro and expansion into the former Eastern Europe, the United States has supported the noble endeavor of European unity. But for Americans, it was here in Germany that the concept of the vision of a new integrated Europe was the most clearly defined. We too dreamed of a Europe, and a Germany, whole, free and at peace -- and we carried through on that dream both in word and deed.

That vision must now be carried a step further. Many of the 20th century's great international questions were essentially about the political and economic organization of Europe. Now at the start of the 21st century, in the post-9/11 world, we face new and difficult challenges. The dangers of today are no less critical for the world than they were 50 years ago – different, yes, but just as serious. We are convinced that freedom, security, and prosperity within the Euro-Atlantic community depend on their extension throughout the world. That is what drives our mutual commitment to promote democracy and freedom, bring peace to troubled regions, and foster global prosperity.

Sometimes one hears that a unified Europe is a counterweight to the United States. Such a view mistakes balance of power for putting our combined power behind our shared values and our common responsibilities. It undersells the many benefits that come from unity. Lastly, it misunderstands U.S. interests. What concerns us is not European strength, but European weakness. American needs a strong Europe and a strong European Union.

The combined German EU and G8 presidencies provide an excellent opportunity for the members of the transatlantic community to move forward. Under Chancellor Merkel, Germany is providing exceptional leadership to the European Union and to the G8. The US-EU partnership is more robust and effective than ever before. We are working together daily to help resolve African conflicts, bring peace to the Middle East, halt weapons proliferation, and combat terrorism.

Anniversaries are celebrations of accomplishments past but they are also bridges to the future. On this anniversary of the first 50 years of the European Union, the United States looks forward to working with our transatlantic partners over the next 50 years. We share common values. We have common concerns. We achieved many of our goals and dreams in the 20th century through strong words and equally strong deeds. That same degree of commitment is required in the 21st century.