Ahead of his second bilateral visit to the White House, Barroso said: "Fighting terrorism and continuing peace efforts in the Middle East are two crucial examples where we need to keep working closely together." On the issue of the Doha trade negotiations he added: "The moment of truth is fast approaching and the US holds the key to making a deal possible in 2007."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier discussed the issues of transatlantic trade and the Middle East on her first official visit to the US since Germany took over the EU presidency on 1 January 2007 (see EurActiv, 5 January 2007). She expressed hopes for a greater role for the EU, the US, the UN and Russia, the so-called quartet, in the Middle East.
When asked about the Doha revival, Commission spokesperson Peter Power explained that the main stumbling block remains the issue of domestic subsidies in agriculture. Nevertheless, he stressed that the EU was willing to make concessions: "The US needs to come to the table with a genuine and serious offer in terms of what it can do in this area." Nevertheless the Commission is positive with Power stressing: "We think that with real leadership and commitment, we can conclude [this trade round]." He further emphasised that it was important for Congress and the White House "to work together".
On his visit, Barroso will be accompanied by External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson. He will also meet with Senate majority leader Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, the new House of Representatives speaker.
Other issues to be discussed at the meeting are security of energy supply, ahead of the energy and climate policy package to be presented by the Commission on 10 January 2007 (see EurActiv special week coverage). The EU wants to develop closer energy relations with the US and co-operate on energy markets, energy efficiency and developing cleaner-energy technologies, such as bio-fuels.
