Janusz Reiter and Wolfgang Ischinger on transatlantic relations

Transatlantic relations are more than just a political marriage of convenience, Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, and Janusz Reiter, former Polish ambassador to Germany and the US, write in an opinion piece for the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. In their opinion the Munich Security Conference can give the relationship an important boost: "The renewal of transatlantic relations demands a debate about the strategic, and more specifically the geopolitical and economic interests of both sides. On climate policy we can be completely equal 'partners in leadership'. We may take different approaches but we have agreed on the same goal. In energy security policy the interests are basically identical and in practice compatible. Since in this area Russia is both part of the solution and part of the problem, it is especially here that the transatlantic – and inner-European – ability to cooperate will be put to the test. Europe has practically all the economic instruments it needs to construct an efficient pan-European energy security system. It needs to work together with America to integrate this project into a strategic master plan. … The strongest power of the Atlantic community was and is the power of ideas and shared values. In view of the colossal tasks we face we need this power more than ever before."

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