The Transatlantic Policy Network is a multi-party group who share a common aim of a strengthened transatlantic partnership, explains Erika Mann
Since its launch in 1992, the Transatlantic Policy Network (TPN) has consistently sought to help define the transatlantic relationship in the post-Cold War world with a new approach. TPN promotes a positive partnership between the people and the governments of the European Union and the United States. The relationship hasn't always been without frictions but, fortunately, the two sides have long been adept at resolving their differences through patient negotiation. This is a priceless asset made possible by a partnership firmly based on common interest and common objectives.
Strengthening those interests and defining those objectives is part of the purpose of TPN. The central focus of TPN's work is developing ideas and coherent policy recommendations. To achieve this, we bring together our political, business and institutional members from both sides of the Atlantic. Ideas and opinions are generated through various and regular operating channels of commitments, exchanges, debates, workshops and task forces. The task forces have co-chairs from the European Parliament and the US Congress who identify priorities for cooperation on the key issues jointly facing the transatlantic partners as major players in the global economy.
Over the past decade and more, the TPN network has worked to spread political understanding and support for a greatly strengthened transatlantic partnership founded in stronger links between our shared economic, political and security interests. Differences are regarded as a natural component of our complex history, vast geography, diverse cultures and different political systems. Differences are taken as challenge and not as threat. Trust is the basis of the cooperation between TPN's European and American partners.
From the very beginning, TPN has been a strong supporter of the concept of the Transatlantic Market and has contributed through its development leading up to the Transatlantic Summit, held in Washington on 30 April 2007. The conclusions of the summit, in which TPN played a decisive role, have now mandated the creation of a 'Framework for Advancing Transatlantic Economic Integration' between the EU and the US. TPN will help ensure that the concept of the Transatlantic Market becomes a success and is implemented in the right way.
