NewsHour Extra: President Bush Goes to Europe- June 11, 2001

PRES. BUSH GOES TO EUROPE
June 11, 2001

President Bush and Sec. of State Powell Like many Americans, President Bush is going to Europe this summer. But it isn't for a vacation. He'll be talking business with some of America's closest allies.

But some Europeans are not happy about the president's recent decisions on the environment and the military and it's likely he'll face some criticism when he arrives on the other side of the Atlantic.

The Missile Shield

NATO Logo During June 11-16, the president will visit Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Slovenia. In Belgium, Mr. Bush will attend a meeting with the North Atlantic Council, the most powerful subgroup of NATO. The Council is expected to discuss President Bush's plan to build a national missile defense shield to defend the U.S. and its friends against nuclear attacks.

Several NATO countries are concerned about the cost of building such a shield. Many believe the shield could lead to new worldwide arms race as countries try to build new weapons that could get through such a defense. There is also skepticism that the planned shield would actually work, since it has failed several important tests.

Russian President Putin Moreover, building the shield would violate a 1972 treaty between the U.S. and Russia. Later, in Slovenia, President Bush will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and try to persuade him to the amend the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty to allow for the shield. Russians say the shield would make their nukes powerless, and put them at a disadvantage during a nuclear attack.

Beyond the nukes, the presidents will try to improve relations following several prominent spy cases and dismissals of ambassadors from both countries.

American Troops in Europe

Macedonian Fighters President Bush has said he wants American troops on peacekeeping missions in the Balkans to come home. About 4,000 U.S. troops are still in Bosnia and Kosovo, trying to help the region return to normal life after years of war.

Recent fighting in nearby Macedonia has many NATO members worried that a new war could break out. Some say the presence of U.S. troops is an important factor in preventing violence, and European leaders will probably urge Bush to let U.S. troops stay.

When the president arrives in Poland, he'll give a speech about European relations with the States. He's expected to discuss ways the U.S. and Europe can work together.

Global Warming

The E.U. Flag Nonetheless, when Mr. Bush arrives in Sweden to attend an U.S.-E.U. summit, he will most likely face skeptical Europeans. The president angered members of the European Union by rejecting the Kyoto Treaty agreement on global warming. In this 1997 treaty, more than 150 nations got together and agreed to reduce pollution and try to solve the problem of global warming.

President Bush said the Kyoto plan to cut emissions would hurt American businesses. Many Europeans are angry, because the U.S. releases more greenhouse gases than any other country. Mr. Bush is expected to propose an alternative plan.

Bush and the European Press

The Media Although the president isn't expected to hold any press conferences, European media are very excited about his visit. European newspapers and TV followed closely the drama of election 2000, and this will their first time to see President Bush, the son, up-close and personal.

During the election, many European newspapers ran editorials about concerns of a Bush presidency. Some Europeans were concerned about Bush's vision of the U.S. as less involved in world affairs. Now they are waiting to see whether meeting him in person alleviates or escalates their fears.

What do you think? How could the U.S. improve diplomatic relations with Europe?

NewsHour Extra Picking a Prime Minister: Citizens of England reelect Prime Minister Blair. (6/6/01) How's he doing? The first 100 days of the Bush presidency. (4/25/01) Global Warming: Scientists warn of future climate changes. (2/14/01) The World Ahead: The international challenges faced by the Bush team. (1/10/01) NewsHour Features Bush Goes to Europe For Teachers Browse our additional coverage of Europe Outside Links: Extra is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. The White House The European Union NATO		PRES. BUSH GOES TO EUROPE June 11, 2001 Like many Americans, President Bush is going to Europe this summer. But it isn't for a vacation. He'll be talking business with some of America's closest allies. But some Europeans are not happy about the president's recent decisions on the environment and the military and it's likely he'll face some criticism when he arrives on the other side of the Atlantic. The Missile Shield During June 11-16, the president will visit Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Slovenia. In Belgium, Mr. Bush will attend a meeting with the North Atlantic Council, the most powerful subgroup of NATO. The Council is expected to discuss President Bush's plan to build a national missile defense shield to defend the U.S. and its friends against nuclear attacks. Several NATO countries are concerned about the cost of building such a shield. Many believe the shield could lead to new worldwide arms race as countries try to build new weapons that could get through such a defense. There is also skepticism that the planned shield would actually work, since it has failed several important tests. Moreover, building the shield would violate a 1972 treaty between the U.S. and Russia. Later, in Slovenia, President Bush will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and try to persuade him to the amend the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty to allow for the shield. Russians say the shield would make their nukes powerless, and put them at a disadvantage during a nuclear attack. Beyond the nukes, the presidents will try to improve relations following several prominent spy cases and dismissals of ambassadors from both countries. American Troops in Europe President Bush has said he wants American troops on peacekeeping missions in the Balkans to come home. About 4,000 U.S. troops are still in Bosnia and Kosovo, trying to help the region return to normal life after years of war. Recent fighting in nearby Macedonia has many NATO members worried that a new war could break out. Some say the presence of U.S. troops is an important factor in preventing violence, and European leaders will probably urge Bush to let U.S. troops stay. When the president arrives in Poland, he'll give a speech about European relations with the States. He's expected to discuss ways the U.S. and Europe can work together. Global Warming Nonetheless, when Mr. Bush arrives in Sweden to attend an U.S.-E.U. summit, he will most likely face skeptical Europeans. The president angered members of the European Union by rejecting the Kyoto Treaty agreement on global warming. In this 1997 treaty, more than 150 nations got together and agreed to reduce pollution and try to solve the problem of global warming. President Bush said the Kyoto plan to cut emissions would hurt American businesses. Many Europeans are angry, because the U.S. releases more greenhouse gases than any other country. Mr. Bush is expected to propose an alternative plan. Bush and the European Press Although the president isn't expected to hold any press conferences, European media are very excited about his visit. European newspapers and TV followed closely the drama of election 2000, and this will their first time to see President Bush, the son, up-close and personal. During the election, many European newspapers ran editorials about concerns of a Bush presidency. Some Europeans were concerned about Bush's vision of the U.S. as less involved in world affairs. Now they are waiting to see whether meeting him in person alleviates or escalates their fears. What do you think? How could the U.S. improve diplomatic relations with Europe?