New president to mend EU fences

Published: May 27 2008 03:00 | Last updated: May 27 2008 03:00

From Mr Harry C. Blaney III.

Sir, Philip Stephens is right: the time is ripe for better relations between the UK (and Europe) and the US under a new administration that will at last take diplomatic engagement seriously ("A transatlantic opportunity for Britain", May 19). As a retired US diplomat who had several postings in Europe, I see the ties between Europe and the US more strained than ever before in my memory.

However, there is a natural convergence of interests and values that is emblematic not only of the UK-US "special relationship" but of ties with Europe as a whole. While rebuilding ties between Europe and the US will not be easy, I suspect that under an Obama administration a convergence of views will soon emerge and solidify - not least on issues such as climate change, ending the war in Iraq responsibly, tackling global poverty, and dealing with rising powers such as China and Russia.

I have one quibble with Mr Stephens' characterisation that "Democrats as well as Republicans doubt Europe is a reliable partner". While the likes of John Bolton, former US ambassador to the UN, exist, they are not likely to be as influential after November. Among Democrats I know in the foreign affairs establishment the concern rather is how best to mend our bridges and how to best get on with the job ahead.

There will be individual differences, but the will to find avenues of mutual advantage and compromise will be strong on this side of the pond. In his recent visit to the US Gordon Brown , UK prime minister, made this clear. I have no doubt a new president will seek early consultations with European leaders. It is likely that there will be early substantive meetings in the context of Nato, the G7 and G8 and other venues.

Harry C. Blaney III,

Senior Fellow,

Center for International Policy,

Washington, DC 20036, US

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008