U.S. and EU Strengthen Transatlantic Ties at Fifth Trade and Technology Council Meeting

In the fifth U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial Meeting, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager underscored the significance of their transatlantic partnership. The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., focused on economic security, technology standards, supply chain resilience, and combating non-market practices, particularly in relation to Russia and China.

Both Blinken and Vestager praised the Council as an indispensable tool for economic cooperation, highlighting its achievements in aligning technology standards and countering economic coercion. The session aimed to build upon these successes, with a special focus on de-risking economies, diversifying supply chains, and setting standards for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The meeting demonstrated a strong commitment to the transatlantic relationship and its role in addressing geopolitical challenges. It was also noted for its efficiency in implementing sanctions against Russia and collaboration on semiconductors and AI, with an optimistic outlook on future technological advances such as quantum computing. The partnership is seen as crucial in delivering tangible benefits to citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.