AS THE FIRST TASK FORCE ABROAD, THE PROGRAM IN ROME ADDRESSES THE KEY ISSUES THAT POSE THE GREATEST THREATS TO EUROPEAN UNITY. IT OFFERS CRITICAL U.S. POLICY RECOMMENDATONS TO ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT A MORE UNIFIED EUROPE, WHILE MAINTAINING OUR CLOSE TRANSATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP.
ISSUE DESCRIPTION
The issues facing Europe today have created an unprecedented level of stress not seen in decades. More importantly, these issues pose overarching threats to the security, stability and unity of the European Union as a whole:
- Growing instability and uncertainty on Europe’s future have enabled the rise of populist movements and agendas. The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU exemplifies a culmination of longstanding populist sentiment, aimed at regaining national sovereignty.
- Today, Europe faces progressive threats to economic conditions and unity in Europe such as the ongoing Eurozone Crisis as well as the emergence of rising external economic powers.
- Concerning migration, Europe has experienced a dramatic influx of migrants. The current systems in position to manage these flows have proven increasingly inadequate and unevenly placed.
- In the realm of security, the United States and Europe face new and dynamic challenges that require novel cooperative solutions. Hybrid threats and terrorism highlight a need for greater coordination in intelligence sharing and defense capabilities.
- Threatened by rising authoritarianism, nationalist tensions, and mounting anti-western sentiments, the EU’s critical margins, including Turkey and Serbia, pose challenges to European stability and unity.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
- AFFIRM U.S. longstanding support for the European Union, its values of shared sovereignty, and transnational interests while maintaining positive relations with Europe.
- CONTINUE to encourage the economic unity of the Eurozone and support efforts to revitalize European economies.
- SUPPORT key migrant management mechanisms while correcting those that have furthered disharmony.
- REMAIN committed to the European security community by addressing threats facing NATO and EU allies in order to maintain a strong transatlantic relationship.
- ENCOURAGE continued dialogue between the EU and candidate states, as well as peaceful bilateral relations, in order to further movement towards European integration.
