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2007 is an important year for the European Union and the United States.

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The EU celebrates 50 years in existence and now matches the US as an economic power.

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The US is entering its fifth year in Iraq.

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Significant global challenges lay ahead, such as climate change and the Middle East.

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Working on these issues requires a constant transatlantic conversation.

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The face of Europe in Washington is EU ambassador to the United States, John Bruton.

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Former Prime Minister of Ireland, his political background is a distinct advantage.

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Administrations come and go, presidents come and go, but members of Congress tend to last

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quite a long time.

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So ensuring that every member of Congress knows about the EU, recognises that the EU

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is a potential partner for him or her in their work.

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This puts European issues directly in front of policy makers.

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A hot topic on the hill right now, and for the EU, is the issue of global warming.

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We know that we Europeans and Americans are more responsible for this than anyone else.

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The European Union is saying we'll cut our greenhouse gases to 20% below our 1990 level

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by 2020.

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And we're saying to the Americans, will you commit to do something similar?

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There is a lot of agreement on Iran to approach the isolation of Iran and Europe exercises

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influence in places where the United States does not.

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For John Bruton, sending home the message to politicians and public alike that the EU

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is a good partner for the US defines his role.

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In his visits to universities around the states, he's keeping a keen eye on tomorrow's decision

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makers too.

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Are we going to use our power to ensure that everybody gets the same chance that we now

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have?