A top State Department official says relations between Europe and the United States are changing for the better.
Peter Chase provided a global overview of relations in Europe as well as holding a question-and-answer session with students yesterday.
Chase is director of the Office of European Union and Regional Affairs for the State Department.
He admitted that he assumed the position with some trepidation because America's relations with the EU had been rocky.
But since President Bush met with the European Commission in February, Chase feels that relations with Europe have improved.
"You could feel a shift in our office," Chase said. "There was a sense that a page had been turned."
He believes that the EU was able to put Bush's decision to invade Iraq in the past and look toward future cooperation with the United States.
"We'll just assume a close partnership and focus on what to do outside of our relationship," Chase said.
A key component of rebuilding the EU's confidence in the United States is maintaining close diplomatic ties.
"One of my objectives was to get the EU to cooperate with us on issues such as democratic change and economic change," he said.
Chase partially attributed improving trans-Atlantic relationships to the United States taking a more cooperative approach to international responses, such as negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program.
He provided insight into working in the State Department, as well.
"I grew up in Taiwan, and it seemed natural to go into foreign service," he said.
Chase joined the State Department at age 23 and said he has loved every aspect of his job.
"I love how you change jobs quite regularly, which is good for me because I have a very short attention span," Chase said. "I've never been bored."
Students were impressed with the diverse ideals Chase discussed.
"He is quite an open figure, which was reassuring," Wharton and College sophomore Stefan Sabo said.
"It was much more relaxed one on one, rather than anything official," he added. "I like coming to events here since they are usually smaller than typical events at the University."
