Parliament is often seen as the most junior EU institution, with little foreign policy might.
It does have some soft power, however, such as via the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue, a forum composed of EU and U.S. lawmakers that have regular meetings. The next one is expected on April 9-11 .
“Many people in the U.S. Congress are convinced relations with the EU are very important and we need to find solutions together,” Socialist chair of the delegation to U.S., Benifei, said.
Via “parliamentary diplomacy,” he said, the EU can try to influence U.S. policy in the Congress, which Trump will need to pass legislation, by hitting the phones when a file is particularly sensitive for Brussels.
There is a “slim majority of the ruling party,” he pointed, arguing that “it’s crucial to have a dialogue with the Republicans.”
As for the role of the far right in strengthening parliamentary relations, Benifei said it would be very difficult for the Republicans “to follow this path even if they wanted,” as the Patriots, ESN and ECR are a minority in Europe and do not have decision-making power.
Manfred Weber, chair of the most powerful EU group, the center-right European People’s Party, said Tuesday there was a need to reengage with his counterparts after years of neglect, “so that not only Patriots are partners for the administration … we must again interlink with our American partners in a lot of issues.”