CRS Issue Statement on Europe: Regional Policy, Bilateral Relations, and Key Issues

CRS Issue Statement on Europe: Regional Policy, Bilateral Relations, and Key Issues

CRS Issue Statement on Europe: Regional
Policy, Bilateral Relations, and Key Issues
Derek E. Mix, Coordinator
Analyst in European Affairs
January 27, 2014
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R43375

CRS Issue Statement on Europe: Regional Policy, Bilateral Relations, and Key Issues

Europe and U.S.-European relations continue to undergo a long-term process of evolution.
Numerous regional concerns persist, but U.S. policymakers now tend to view Europe mainly as a
potential counterpart in addressing common challenges, and less as an object of attention in and
of itself. Overall regional policy is set in the context of overlapping institutions, including the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU), and the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). At the same time, the United States maintains
strong interests and active bilateral relations with the individual countries of Europe. National
developments and bilateral cooperation are therefore of frequent interest to the U.S. Congress.
Members of Congress also frequently engage in a range of key issues that have implications
within Europe and for the transatlantic partnership.

Author Contact Information

Derek E. Mix, Coordinator
Hannah Fischer
Analyst in European Affairs
Information Research Specialist
dmix@crs.loc.gov, 7-9116
hfischer@crs.loc.gov, 7-8989
Vincent L. Morelli
James K. Jackson
Section Research Manager
Specialist in International Trade and Finance
vmorelli@crs.loc.gov, 7-8051
jjackson@crs.loc.gov, 7-7751
Kristin Archick
Michael Ratner
Specialist in European Affairs
Specialist in Energy Policy
karchick@crs.loc.gov, 7-2668
mratner@crs.loc.gov, 7-9529
Paul Belkin
Steven Woehrel
Analyst in European Affairs
Specialist in European Affairs
pbelkin@crs.loc.gov, 7-0220
swoehrel@crs.loc.gov, 7-2291
Carl Ek

Specialist in International Relations
cek@crs.loc.gov, 7-7286

Congressional Research Service
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