How good are relations between the European Union and America?

Question

I've always wondered, with Britain having a special relationship with USA - does the EU enjoy the same? Are they friends?

Answer 1

Only Britain enjoys 'the special relationship' with USA and, sometimes, it's not that special.
The 'old Europe' as certain US politicians like to call France, Germany, Italy and Spain does not follow US foreign policy and is usually at odds with its commercial ideals (eg Boeing v Airbus re subsidies). Friends they are but not very close.
USA relies on Britain to be the stepping stone between them and mainland Europe since we are usually the ones who stick our heads above the parapet when times become tough.
Contrary to what one of your respondees has said, Britain has defended itself for over 2000 years; Vikings, Danes, Romans, French, Dutch, Spanish to name but some, have all either invaded us or attemtped to do so. Goodness knows who teaches English History in this country.

Answer 2

The Europeans have often fought among themselves and are now enjoying an unprecedented period of peace. Britain, apart from 1940's, has never had to defend itself and America never has. This may explain the gung-ho attitudes we display when it comes to war. I suspect our European neighbours are just that little bit more grown-up and despise us for our naivety.

I must point out to micheal w that the earlier invasions he refers to, the Romans, Danes etc, were successful invasions,partly because the country, not then a political entity, was not defended. The Danes in fact were paid to remain quiet. Later William the Conqueror had a legal right to the English throne and after Hastings, set about organising his kingdom without too much resistance. The Spanish armada famously failed, though perhaps michael w hasn't heard and the Dutch didn't get far up the river Medway. Perhaps when michael w teaches history, he should do it with more accuracy and less jaundice.

Answer 3

The USA and the EU are good friends although they do not share the same foreign policy (Iraq). The special relationship exists because there are many family intermarriages "our American cousins". Also the British recognise that the USA is now the new world power which has followed the British Empire. This makes the UK not good Europeans.

Answer 4

The relations are bad. 6 years of fervent anti-Americanism from Europe has lead to a deep hatred of Europeans by Americans. Even the special relationship with Britain is fading. America may very well cut all ties with Europe and UK in the coming years..

Coincidentally - this is what Tony Blair meant when he was referering to "the dangers of anti-Americanism".

America may be alone but so are you. Good luck in the future.

Answer 5

More like friendly competitors at least economically. Diplomatically each European country still acts on it's own for the most part. EU is more like a trade federation than anything else.

Answer 6

usa grew to alter into suspicious of Russia after the Russian Revolution in 1917. usa had heard the comments of violence in the process the Russian Revolution, and have been scared that they might too replace into Communist. in the process the Nineteen Twenties there replace into suspicion of Communism in usa, yet this did not worsen till the 2d international conflict. As usa and Russia have been allies in the process the conflict they had to co-function, yet as quickly as the conflict replace into over, tensions began to emerge. the U.S. (Russia) and the u . s . emerged as the two international 'superpowers' - they have been the main effective countries interior the international in 1945. they had distinctive ideologies (communism and capitalism). the U.S. did not like that usa knew the secret to making a nuclear bomb by skill of 1945. Truman and Stalin did not get on in my opinion on the 2d submit-conflict convention at Potsdam. consequently the chilly conflict era starts from 1945. Tensions worsen because of the fact the click lined the memories of the Hollywood Ten, the Rosenberg trial, Alger Hiss and finally, McCarthy and his witch-hunts. by skill of the time McCarthy produces his 'record of 205 communists' the chilly conflict is in finished swing. attempt looking those key events/human beings up on the internet in case you prefer extra techniques approximately guy or woman events. desire this facilitates!

Answer 7

What all the USA did with the USSR the world's nations are doing with the USA through EU.

You will admire me after sometime.
Not now.

Answer 8

yes, we are friends, but we still see you individually. We are better friends with Germany than with France, I would say, and we would like to be friends with eastern Europe, but we're getting to know each other. Most of Old Europe and we are friends, but France is like the brother who is a real pain in the ***, sometimes.

Answer 9

They are all in bed together. Britain is just the most predominate country in Iraq with us right now, so they get a lot of press.

Answer 10

Not currently good with Bush at the helm.