Today I am in Washington. I had the
honour* last night to receive the Atlantic Council's Distinguished
Leadership Award for my work to strengthen and promote the
transatlantic bond. It was truly inspiring to join Hillary Clinton
and so many others who share a commitment to the vital link between
Europe and North America. I spoke about the need to strike what I
call a new transatlantic deal. Because I firmly believe that in a
world where we are all connected, the transatlantic relationship
remains the most important relationship we have. Today, Europe and
North America face a key challenge: how to protect our shared values
across the globe, and to shape the global agenda in line with those
values. So we need to do more with each other, not less. To come
closer, not drift apart. And to turn outwards, not inwards. To do
this, we need a new transatlantic deal. A deal that makes our
community of values stronger, wider and deeper. We need stronger
political, economic and cultural ties. We need wider engagement with
the rest of the world and we need deeper security cooperation. A new
transatlantic deal is the best way to preserve our freedom, to
increase our prosperity, and to safeguard our values for generations
to come. Some thirty years ago, I visited the United States and got
to know many families, colleagues and institutions. I started on the
path that led me here today. I would like to see more young people
have the same opportunity to cross the Atlantic because our personal
connections and experiences will continue to nourish the vital bond
between America and Europe.
*Spelled 'honor' in American English.
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