For a Transatlantic Partnership of Equals: The Compassionate Internationalism of Günter Burghardt

Abstract

This article analyzes the diplomatic activities and political ideas of Günter Burghardt during his tenure as Head of the European Commission’s Delegation to the United States of America, from late 1999 to late 2004. Specifically, it traces Burghardt’s advocacy for a ‘Transatlantic partnership of equals’, as articulated by John F. Kennedy in his July 4, 1962, address at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, in response to the unilateralism of the George W. Bush administration. The paper is based on Burghardt's personal materials housed at the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU).

Keywords: Günter Burghardt; Equal partnership; Transatlantic relations; United States of America; European Union

Author’s note: This research has been supported by the Vibeke Sørensen Grant (2025) of the European University Institute. I sincerely thank Dieter Schlenker, Director of the Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU), and all the archivists and staff for their assistance, warm welcome, and the opportunity to conduct this study at the EUI.