Barroso Criticizes State Of U.S.–EU Relationship

A top European Union official called for a dramatic effort to revive trans-Atlantic ties with the U.S., saying the new era at the White House was in danger of becoming a “missed opportunity” for Europe.

José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said the relationship wasn’t living up to its potential. The criticism followed a series of fundamental disagreements on how to deal with the economic crisis, climate change and trade issues.

Mr. Barroso revealed his frustrations with Washington during an interview in which he also said the euro had acted like a “sleeping pill,” luring some countries to the edge of economic disaster with an “illusion of prosperity.”

Speaking days before U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron visits the White House, Mr. Barroso said: “The trans-Atlantic relationship is not living up to its potential. I think we should do much more together. We have conditions like we have never had before and it would be a pity if we missed the opportunity.”