European leaders split on Obama’s alleged disinterest

Several senior European political figures contend that the transatlantic relationship “Has not reached its full potential” and that it would be regrettable if Barack Obama’s presidency turned into “A missed occasion.”

Those words, spoken recently by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, demonstrate yet again that Old Europe’s disappointment with Obama appears to be just as marked as its enthusiasm with his election was generalized, says French daily Le Figaro in an overview of the situation, and they amply translate current feelings of frustration. Unmistakable signs of tension between Obama and Europe have been perceptible for some time, and the latest example occurred in February when Obama declined an invitation to a European summit in Madrid. And, as if to add insult to injury in European eyes, the replacement meeting hastily announced at the time has still not been confirmed. Washington does not seem to be unduly worried about this affair and others like it, whilst, on the other side of the Atlantic, rancorous sentiment is beginning to grow. Europe resents being given what it perceives to be unwelcome American lessons in economic growth strategy because it is convinced that the current economic crisis is America’s fault. Jealous sentiments have surfaced regarding the American President’s attention-filled relations with Turkey and Russia, and the Europeans are extremely worried about the increasing links and strategic relationship being forged between the United States and China. G2, or ‘Chinamerica’ is a demon which haunts the worst nightmares of many Eurocrats. Jose Manuel Barroso is pressing the White House to make more efforts to maintain contact with its traditional allies. He believes that building a stronger relationship “Means not only defining the values which unite us, it means taking action together on a worldwide scale.” This brings to mind the climate bargaining in Copenhagen and the differences which became apparent during the recent G20 summit in Toronto, both of which rankled Europeans, who consider the USA to have acted more like adversaries than allies. European nations fear the prospect of isolation faced with emerging powers, and they worry that the indifference or sidelining they think is characterising Obama’s actions is adding to that apprehension. “For the first time since 1945, we have an American President who is not showing interest in what is happening on this side of the Atlantic” says Denis MacShane, ex British Minister of European Affairs. Those same fears are being discreetly expressed by the French. For all that, the personal exasperation shown by Barroso and MacShane does not always mirror that of European institutions in general. Obama may be ignoring Europe to a certain extent, but European-American cooperation in Nato, the IMF, the OECD and others has been adequate on many occasions since Obama’s election, and the various quartets and 6+1 combinations have worked reasonably well on delicate issues such as the Mideast or Iran. Barroso’s pessimism comes at a time when other European figures are gearing up to affront him on the subject of European diplomacy. A recent green light from the EU Parliament means that High Representative Catherine Ashton will soon be in a position to begin selecting the 6,000 diplomats, civilian experts and military brass who will work for the recently-created Service for Exterior Action. Council President Herman Van Rompuy is also busy, with preparations for the first European summit to concentrate uniquely on foreign affairs. Both he and Ashton, instead of bemoaning American disinterest, seem to be trying to put Europe back on track in the international arena. Van Rompuy says that “Europe now has foreign policy tools, but still needs to develop a fully-fledged strategic vision {..and to..} decide quickly and act quickly” if it wants to become a credible partner. In other words, he is saying that there is a lot of talking going on in Europe, but very few concrete ideas. That analysis is surely shared on the other side of the Atlantic.