Video message by President Charles Michel on the day of US President Joe Biden's inauguration

I want to warmly congratulate President Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States, and Kamala Harris, the first woman to become Vice-President. I wish them my very best, as they strive to heal the American people and lead their country out of the pandemic.

Like people of all nations, the American people deserve leaders who take their hopes and concerns to heart. And I trust President Biden and Kamal Harris will do just that.

I am putting a proposal on the table: Let’s build a new founding pact. For a stronger Europe. For a stronger America. For a better world.

I believe we should work together on five priorities. Boosting multilateral cooperation. Combatting Covid-19. Tackling climate change. Rebuilding our economies, ensuring fair trade and promoting a digital transformation. Finally joining forces on security and peace.

The EU and US, we have our differences. Friends have differences. Our alliance was sometimes questioned, on both sides of the Atlantic.

But now it’s time to bring back conviction and common sense. Now it’s time to rejuvenate our cooperation. We invest and trade with each other more than with anyone else. The ties between our people are deep.

Today, our partnership is more vital than ever, as our shared values are being challenged. Our cooperation is in the best interest of both our peoples. And in the best interest of the world.

On our side, we are committed, we are ready. 

Video message on the day of US President Biden’s inauguration