In praise of partnership
From The Rt Hon, Christopher Patten, CH Sin William Shavvcross (Tax Americana', 12 April) writes, 'EU officials like Chris Patten speak of Europe being a "counterweight" to the United States. Not a partner, note.'
In general I have spoken of Europe as a partner. Indeed, I speak of an 'indispensable partnership'. It is true that in a debate with Richard Perle in Prague last October I referred to 'a tendency in Europe to confuse European foreign policy with being critical of the United States', and went on to argue for a bigger European defence effort 'if we're to be a serious counterweight and counterpart to the United States' — but I make no apology for that.
I have never argued, with the Prime Minister, that the European Union should aspire to become a 'superpower' (Warsaw, October 2000).
Chris Patten The European Commission, Brussels
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