Joint statement by the United States of America and the European Union

Joint statement by the Secretary of State of the United States of America and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission

Washington, DC (STL.News) The US Department of State has issued the following statement:

The following statement was issued by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell:

Beginning of the text:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell reaffirm the enduring partnership of the United States and the EU and their common commitments in favor of transatlantic security and in the face of common security challenges, in accordance with the depth of our bond, our common values ​​and our shared interests.

They both welcome the approval by the European Defense Agency’s steering committee of a negotiating mandate for an administrative arrangement with the United States and express a common commitment to seek to conclude negotiations expeditiously.

They recognize the importance of a stronger and more efficient European defense which contributes to global and transatlantic security and recall the need to develop coherent, complementary and interoperable capabilities. They support the fullest possible involvement of the United States in EU defense initiatives.

As foreseen in the joint declaration of the US-EU summit in June 2021, they announce the launch of a US-EU dialogue on security and defense on the occasion of the visit of the Secretary General of the European Service for external action Stefano Sannino and the Director General of the EU General Staff. Vice-Admiral Hervé Bléjean in Washington, DC

The first meeting of the Dialogue, which will aim to continue closer cooperation in the areas of security and defense, will be held in early 2022 with the participation of the US State and Defense Departments and the European Action Service. Commission as well as the European Union Commission and the European Defense Agency, if applicable.

The High Representative and the Secretary reaffirm their unwavering support for strong NATO-EU cooperation and for the commitments and principles set out in the 2016 and 2018 Joint Declarations. They commit to continue working together to raise the level of ambition NATO-EU cooperation, in order to further strengthen this key mutually reinforcing strategic partnership.