EUROPEAN UNION - Delegation of the European Union to the USA - NEW EUROPEAN UNION AMBASSADOR PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS

On Tuesday August 10th. with the presentation of his credentials to President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony, João Vale de Almeida formally became the new European Union Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to the United States.

Ambassador Vale de Almeida will be the first EU Ambassador to the United States since the Lisbon Treaty entered into force on December 1, 2009. In this capacity, he represents European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. The Lisbon Treaty enhances the EU's capacity to operate more effectively and act more cohesively in matters of foreign affairs and security.

In his letter, Ambassador Vale de Almeida stressed that he was enthusiastic about the continued evolution of the US-EU relationship which, in range and substance, has progressed dramatically over two decades from one largely centered around trade to a more all-encompassing relationship. "The emergence of new powers has led to predictions that transatlantic relations will be less important in the future, but this view overlooks the enormous stock we have vested in one another," he said. "Our common values and shared goals are strengthened by our deeply interdependent economies and the longstanding ties between our peoples. They are also reflected in the trust and mutual confidence forged through many years of close cooperation between our administrations." 

 

For more: EUROPEAN UNION - Delegation of the European Union to the USA - EU/NR 35/10: NEW EUROPEAN UNION AMBASSADOR PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS