(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-28 15:46

BRUSSELS -- The year 2007 has witnessed a marked development and changes in the EU's foreign relations, especially with the United States, Russia, China and Africa.

EU, US NORMALIZE RELATIONS

EU heavyweight France readjusted relations with the United States in 2007 following the change of government, leading to a normalization of EU-US relations.

Vehement opposition by former French President Jacques Chirac to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 soured relations between the "old Europe" and Washington.

Since taking office in May, Chirac's successor Nicholas Sarkozy has acted to heal the wounds in ties between Paris and Washington.

Sarkozy and his US counterpart George W. Bush held three meetings within months. In November, Sarkozy paid an official visit to the United States, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Analysts say Sarkozy's pro-Americanism comes out of his consideration of national interests.

With the United States remaining the world's sole superpower, better ties with Washington could be an opportunity for the new French leader to enhance the country's international status, especially after years of squabbling over the Iraq war.

Within the European bloc, improved ties with Washington could consolidate France's position as a leader and bring Paris closer to new EU members such as Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic nations, which all enjoy good relations with the United States.

Similarly, Germany, the biggest EU member, also offered the olive branch to Washington when Chancellor Angela Merkel took office in 2005.

MORE FRICTIONS WITH RUSSIA

While the EU and Russia enjoy cooperation in many fields, they have witnessed more frictions in 2007 than before, ranging from politics to security issues.

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