U.S.-Europe Relations: An Address by Bernard Kouchner, Foreign Minister of France

With the election of a new American president, an opportunity has arisen for reassessing and revitalizing the transatlantic partnership. The 27 members of the European Union, under the leadership of France, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Council, have started working on new priorities and approaches to U.S. – Europe relations. In his remarks, Foreign Minister Kouchner offered thoughts and proposals based on these ongoing discussions, and addressed a range of critical issues awaiting the next president and his European allies, including Afghanistan, the Middle East, Russia and the revamping of multilateral institutions.

Bernard Kouchner, who has had a distinguished career as a medical doctor, professor and senior government official, was appointed minister of foreign and European affairs of France in 2007. He is the founder of the Nobel prize-winning Médecins sans Frontières and of Médecins du Monde. He previously served as France’s minister for health and humanitarian action from 1992-1993 and United Nations special representative for Kosovo from 1999-2001.

Brookings President Strobe Talbott introduced Mr. Kouchner. Daniel Benjamin, senior fellow and director of the Center on United States and Europe, moderated an audience question and answer session at the conclusion of Foreign Minister Kouchner’s remarks.