George W Bush: Victor

At the conclusion of a Brussels summit, Europe's 25 national leaders have said they look forward to a "close transatlantic partnership" following the US presidential election.

In a statement issued following two days of talks, EU governments also said they would be "working very closely with President Bush and his new administration".

The pledge followed earlier calls from Tony Blair for his fellow European leaders to come to terms with President Bush's election victory.

In an interview with the Times on Friday, the prime minister suggested some leaders were in a "state of denial" about the outcome.

But he suggested that being faced with the prospect of another four years of the Bush administration would prompt a more "receptive mood".

"America has spoken. The rest of the world should listen," Blair told the paper.

But French President Jacques Chirac indicated his doubts about closer relations with the US, repeating his call for a "multi-polar" world.

"Europe today has more than ever the need, the necessity, to reinforce itself and its dynamism and unity," he said.

Joint statement

Those differences, however, were papered over in the final summit communique.

"The European Council warmly congratulated President George W. Bush on his re-election as president of the United States of America," it read.

"Our close transatlantic partnership, based on shared  values, is fundamental for Europe's approach to building international peace, security and  prosperity.

"Our deep political, economic and cultural ties make us each other's natural and indispensable partners."

It added that the EU and US "share a responsibility in addressing key threats and challenges", citing the Middle East, terrorism, AIDS and poverty as important examples.

"The European Union and the United States should also continue to cooperate closely to contribute to a  successful outcome of the Doha round of trade negotiations," the statement continued.
 
"The EU and its member states look forward to working very closely with president Bush and his new administration to combine efforts, including on multilateral institutions, to promote the rule of law and create a just, democratic and secure world."

Iraq

The leaders also heard from Iraqi prime minister Allawi on Friday, although the French leader left before his address.

According to the final statement, the 25 leaders gave their "strong support for the political process in Iraq and the Iraqi interim government".

The EU Council "welcomed the Iraqi determination to continue the political process and assured the prime minister that the European Union will continue to support the brave and difficult course the people of Iraq are steering towards the restoration of security, democracy and the rule of law".

Key issues

Another key issue on the agenda was plans to enhance EU cooperation on justice and home affairs over the next five years.

Writing for ePolitix.com on Friday, Home Office minister Caroline Flint said the plans for closer cooperation on immigration issues are "a good result for the UK".

But Dutch prime minister Jan-Peter Balkenende urged the UK not to opt out of key policies.

"We are stressing the importance of following the same line," he said. "That is the message to the UK."

And the communique added: "The citizens of Europe rightly expect the European Union, while guaranteeing respect for fundamental freedoms and rights, to take a more effective, joint approach to cross-border problems such as illegal migration and trafficking in and smuggling of human beings, as well as to terrorism and organised crime."

The final major issue for national leaders was halting progress on the implementation of economic reforms.

A mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy, which aims to boost international competitiveness, will be held over the coming months.

"The European Council welcomed the European Commission's intention to continue to make implementation of the Lisbon strategy a key component of its policy," said the final statement.