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Northern Ireland, Brexit, and the Irish Border [March 12, 2018]
"As the 20th anniversary of the April 1998 peace accord for Northern Ireland (known as the Good Friday Agreement or the Belfast Agreement) approaches, concerns are increasing about how the expected exit of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU)--or 'Brexit'--might affect Northern Ireland. The future of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has become a central issue in the UK's withdrawal negotiations with the EU. Once the UK ceases to be a member of the EU--likely in March 2019-- Northern Ireland will be the only part of the UK to share a land border with an EU member state (Ireland and the UK both joined the EU in 1973). Agreeing upon arrangements for the post-Brexit UK-Irish border is particularly challenging because of Northern Ireland's history of political violence. Roughly 3,500 people died during 'the Troubles,' the 30-year sectarian conflict between unionists (Protestants who largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK) and nationalists (Catholics who consider themselves Irish and may desire a united Ireland)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2018-03-12
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United Kingdom: Background, Brexit, and Relations with the United States [March 12, 2018]
"The modern relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom (UK) was forged during the Second World War. It was cemented during the Cold War, as both countries worked together bilaterally and within NATO to counter the threat of the Soviet Union. The United States and the UK are two of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and both are founding members of NATO. In the early 1990s, the UK was an important U.S. ally in the first Gulf War, and the two countries later worked together in stabilization and peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. The UK was the leading U.S. ally in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent stabilization operations, and it was the largest non-U.S. contributor to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan. The UK remains an important U.S. partner in ongoing global security challenges, such as combatting international terrorism, countering the Islamic State terrorist group, and opposing Russia's annexation of Crimea and actions destabilizing Ukraine, including by supporting strong sanctions in response to these actions. The UK is also the sixth-largest economy in the world and a major financial center. The United States and the UK share an extensive and mutually beneficial trade and economic relationship, and each is the other's largest foreign investor."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2018-03-12
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Spain's 2019 Election [May 2, 2019]
From the Document: "Many U.S. officials and Members of Congress consider Spain to be an important U.S. ally and one of the closest U.S. partners in Europe. Spain's April 2019 election returned a fragmented result, but most seated parties favor the continuation of close U.S.-Spain relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2019-05-02
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U.S.-EU Cooperation on Ukraine and Russia [August 7, 2014]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) have pursued similar policies in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Both have provided additional financial aid to bolster Ukraine's political transition, condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea, and called for Russia to end its support of separatists in eastern and southern Ukraine. The United States and the EU have taken steps to isolate Russia diplomatically and imposed several rounds of sanctions in an effort to change Moscow's behavior and bring an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. (For background, see CRS Report RL33460, 'Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy,' by Steven Woehrel.) At the same time, some U.S.-EU tensions have been evident as the two sides have grappled with how best to respond to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Frictions have been perhaps most pronounced on the issue of sanctions. Between March and early July 2014, the EU and the United States announced visa bans and asset freezes on several dozen Russians and Ukrainians. In contrast to the United States, however, the EU did not sanction members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'inner circle' or key firms or banks associated with them due to concerns about antagonizing Russia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2014-08-07
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NATO: Response to the Crisis in Ukraine and Security Concerns in Central and Eastern Europe [July 31, 2014]
"The U.S. Congress has played an active role in guiding the U.S. response to the Ukraine crisis, including by authorizing a $1 billion loan guarantee to the Ukrainian government, $150 million in financial assistance to Ukraine and other Central and Eastern European countries, and sanctions against Russia (P.L. 113-95). However, some Members of Congress have called on the Obama Administration and NATO to take additional military action to reassure allies and deter Russia. Some Members have also called for a more resolute demonstration of NATO's commitment to enlargement, including to Georgia, a former republic Soviet republic, with which Russia had a military conflict in 2008. For example, the proposed Forging Peace through Strength in Ukraine and the Transatlantic Alliance Act (H.R. 4433) calls for additional NATO and U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and calls for immediate NATO membership for Montenegro and the granting of a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) to Georgia. This report addresses the NATO and U.S. military response to the crisis in Ukraine. It does not discuss political, economic, or energy policy responses. For information on these and other aspects of the crisis response, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33460, 'Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy', by Steven Woehrel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belkin, Paul; Mix, Derek E.; Woehrel, Steven J.
2014-07-31
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Canada-U.S. Relations [June 3, 2014]
"The United States and Canada maintain the world's largest bilateral trading relationship, one that has been strengthened over the past three decades by the approval of two major free trade agreements. Although commercial disputes may not be quite as prominent now as they have been in the past, the two countries in recent years have engaged in difficult negotiations over items in several trade sectors, including natural resources, agricultural commodities, and intellectual property rights. However, these disputes affect but a small percentage of the total goods and services exchanged. In recent years, energy has increasingly emerged as a key component of the trade relationship, with the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline emerging a major source of contention. In addition, the United States and Canada work together closely on environmental matters, including monitoring air quality and solid waste transfers, and protecting and maintaining the quality of border waterways. Many Members of Congress follow U.S.-Canada environmental, trade, and trans-border issues that affect their states and districts. In addition, because the countries are similar in many ways, lawmakers in both countries study solutions proposed across the border to such issues as federal fiscal policy and federal-provincial power sharing. This report begins with an overview of Canada's political scene, economic conditions, security and foreign policy, and environmental initiatives, focusing particularly on issues that may be relevant to U.S. policy makers. This country survey is followed by several essays on current bilateral issues in the political, international security, trade, and environmental arenas. The questions following each summary are designed as potential inquiries to Canadian officials to promote thought and discussion among policy makers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ferguson, Ian; Mix, Derek E.
2014-06-03
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United Kingdom and U.S.-UK Relations [May 5, 2014]
"Many U.S. officials and Members of Congress view the United Kingdom (UK) as the United States' closest and most reliable ally. This perception stems from a combination of factors, including a sense of shared history, values, and culture, as well as extensive and long-established cooperation on a wide range of foreign policy and security issues. In the minds of many Americans, the UK's strong role in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past decade reinforced an impression of closeness and solidarity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2014-05-05
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Scotland's Independence Referendum [September 15, 2014]
"'Should Scotland be an independent country?' Residents of Scotland will answer this question in a referendum on September 18. The 'No' campaign had a 22-point lead in August, but after a shift in favor of independence the referendum appears headed for a close finish. The latest poll numbers indicate that the race is too close to predict. Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are the four 'nations' that comprise the United Kingdom--the world's sixth-largest economy and fifth-largest military power (by expenditure), and the country often considered the United States' closest ally. Scotland's population, about 5.3 million, is over 8% of the U.K. total, and Scotland's gross domestic product (GDP) is nearly 10% of the U.K. total. The crowns of England and Scotland were joined in 1603 and their parliaments merged in 1707. In 1998, the British Parliament passed an act creating a Scottish Parliament with powers over regional issues. The Scottish National Party (SNP) won a majority in the Scottish Parliament in 2011 and intensified its push for a referendum on more devolved powers or outright independence. In 2012, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who leads the SNP and is the chief advocate of independence, agreed on a single-question, in-or-out referendum. Cameron asserted that he agreed out of respect for Scotland's election of a party that has long wanted a referendum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2014-09-15
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U.S.-EU Cooperation on Ukraine and Russia [September 16, 2014]
"The United States and the 28-member European Union (EU) have pursued similar policies in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Both have provided additional financial aid to bolster Ukraine's political transition, condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea, and called for Russia to end its support of separatists in eastern and southern Ukraine. The United States and the EU have taken steps to isolate Russia diplomatically and imposed targeted economic sanctions in an effort to change Moscow's behavior and bring an end to the conflict. […] Initially, some U.S.-EU differences were evident as the two sides grappled with how best to respond to Russia's actions. EU officials were more wary than their U.S. counterparts of sanctioning Russia because of significant EU-Russian trade and investment ties and the dependence of some EU countries on Russian oil and gas supplies […]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2014-09-16
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European Union: Foreign and Security Policy [August 15, 2011]
"The United States often looks to Europe as its partner of choice in addressing important global challenges. Given the extent of the transatlantic relationship, congressional foreign policy activities and interests frequently involve Europe. The relationship between the United States and the European Union (EU) has become increasingly significant in recent years, and it is likely to grow even more important. In this context, Members of Congress often have an interest in understanding the complexities of EU policy making, assessing the compatibility and effectiveness of U.S. and EU policy approaches, or exploring the long-term implications of changing transatlantic dynamics."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2011-08-15
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United Kingdom and U.S.-UK Relations [December 20, 2012]
"The modern U.S.-UK relationship was forged during the Second World War, and cemented during the Cold War as both countries worked together bilaterally and within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to counter the threat of the Soviet Union. The United States and the UK are two of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and both are founding members of NATO. In the early 1990s, the UK was an important U.S. ally in the first Gulf War, and the two countries later worked together in stabilization and peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. The UK was the leading U.S. ally in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent stabilization operations, remains the largest non-U.S. contributor to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, and took a leading role in alliance operations in Libya in 2011. It is also an important U.S. partner in efforts to pressure Iran over its nuclear activities, and to restart the Middle East peace process. The UK is the seventh-largest economy in the world and a major financial center. The United States and the UK share an extensive and mutually beneficial trade and economic relationship, and each is the other's largest foreign investor. U.S. and UK officials, from the cabinet level down, consult frequently and extensively on many global issues. American and British diplomats report often turning to each other first when seeking to build support for their respective positions in multilateral institutions or during times of crisis, as in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the United States. British input is often cited as an element in shaping U.S. foreign policy debates. Some observers assert that a common language and cultural similarities, as well as the habits of cooperation that have developed over the years, contribute to the ease with which U.S. and UK policymakers interact with each other. The term 'special relationship' has often been used to describe the high degree of mutual trust between the two countries in cooperating on diplomatic and political issues. The special relationship also encompasses close intelligence-sharing arrangements and unique cooperation in nuclear and defense matters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2012-12-20
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Greece's Debt Crisis: Overview, Policy Responses, and Implications [August 18, 2011]
"Since early 2010, the Eurozone has been facing a major debt crisis. The governments of several countries in the Eurozone have accumulated what many consider to be unsustainable levels of government debt, and three--Greece, Ireland, and Portugal--have turned to other European countries and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for loans in order to avoid defaulting on their debt. The crisis now threatens to spread to Italy and Spain, respectively the third and fourth largest economies in the Eurozone. Greece has been at the center of the Eurozone debt crisis. It has the highest levels of public debt in the Eurozone, and one of the biggest budget deficits. Greece was the first Eurozone member to come under intense market pressures and the first to turn to other Eurozone member states and the IMF for financial assistance. Over the past year, the IMF, European officials, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the Greek government have undertaken substantial crisis response measures. At the behest of European leaders in July 2011, holders of Greek bonds have also indicated that they will accept losses on their investments to alleviate Greece's debt payments in the short-run. If these plans are carried out, Greece will be the first advanced economy to default in almost half a century. […] This report explains the causes of the crisis, the policy responses to the crisis, and assesses crisis response measures to date. It also highlights the implications of the Greek crisis for the broader Eurozone debt crisis and EU integration. It concludes with an analysis of issues of particular interest to Congress, including the impact of the Greek debt crisis on the U.S. economy, the exposure of U.S. banks to Greece and other distressed Eurozone economies, and IMF involvement in the crisis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.; Belkin, Paul; Mix, Derek E.
2011-08-18
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U.S. Policy Towards Burma: Issues for the 112th Congress [August 8, 2011]
"A robust discussion has arisen around U.S. policy towards Burma. Some Members of Congress, senior officials in the Obama Administration, noted Burma scholars, and representatives of various interest groups have weighed in on this discussion, offering their views on the merits of current U.S. policy towards Burma and what policy changes ought to be made. Among the commentators, there is general agreement that more than 20 years of political and economic sanctions, and nearly two years of 'pragmatic engagement,' have not led to the achievement of the stated goals of U.S. policy towards Burma--the release of all political prisoners from detention and the transfer power to a representative, democratically elected civilian government that will respect the human rights of the people of Burma, including its ethnic minorities. […] The installation of a new government in Burma and the appointment of Derek J. Mitchell to serve as the first Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma are viewed as creating a 'honeymoon period' in which Congress and the Obama Administration can review and, if desired, adjust U.S. policy towards Burma. The genesis of U.S. policy towards Burma was largely driven by Congress passing legislation after particularly egregious actions by Burma's ruling military junta. The 112th Congress is currently considering legislation (H.J.Res. 66 and S.J.Res. 17) that would renew certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. If the history of the development of U.S. policy towards Burma is indicative, any dramatic new development in Burma--either good or bad--could prompt Congress into action."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.; Mix, Derek E.
2011-08-08
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European Union: Questions and Answers [May 4, 2011]
"The United States and the EU have an extensive and dynamic political partnership and share a large, mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship. The global financial crisis has challenged both sides to forge a common response. The United States and the EU have a number of lingering trade disputes, but have led the push to liberalize world trade, and have sought to reduce non-tariff and regulatory barriers in the transatlantic marketplace. This report provides a brief overview of these issues, many of which may be of interest to the 112th Congress. For more information, also see CRS Report RS21618, 'The European Union's Reform Process: The Lisbon Treaty', by Kristin Archick and Derek E. Mix; CRS Report R41088, 'The European Union: Leadership Changes Resulting from the Lisbon Treaty'; by Derek E. Mix, and CRS Report RS21998, 'The European Parliament', by Kristin Archick and Derek E. Mix."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Archick, Kristin
2011-05-04
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Pope Francis and Selected Global Issues: Background for Papal Address to Congress [September 8, 2015]
"Following a September 19-22 visit to Cuba, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the United States from September 22-27. His visit will begin in Washington, DC, and include a visit to the White House, a public mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and an address to Congress. Speaker of the House John Boehner invited Pope Francis to address a joint meeting of Congress based on his position as head of state of the Holy See (an international entity analogous to a sovereign state) and his 'social teachings…that have prompted careful reflection and vigorous dialogue.' On September 24, 2015, Pope Francis will become the first pope to address a joint congressional session. […] This report provides Members of Congress with background information on Pope Francis and a summary of a few selected global issues of congressional interest that have figured prominently on his agenda. The background section on Pope Francis includes a biographical sketch of his life as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, followed by a brief overview of his papacy thus far. The report then identifies some--but not all--of the global issues of concern to Pope Francis. Those include environmental stewardship, poverty and inequality, peace and diplomacy, and human trafficking. The report includes one appendix addressing logistical and security concerns surrounding the papal visit and another summarizing the aforementioned encyclical, Laudato Si. It also refers readers to additional sources of information analyzing the extent to which Pope Francis has addressed issues within the Catholic Church, including corruption within the Vatican and the ongoing issue of sexual assault/exploitation by some priests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Reese, Shawn; Straus, Jacob R. . . .
2015-09-08
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New UK Leadership: Implications for Brexit [July 31, 2019]
From the Document: "On July 24, 2019, Boris Johnson became prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK) after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest that was triggered by the resignation of Theresa May as party leader on June 7. A colorful and polarizing figure who was one of the leading voices in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union (EU), Johnson previously served as UK foreign secretary from 2016 to 2018 and mayor of London from 2008 to 2016. He inherits a government in which the Conservative Party controls a slim parliamentary majority by virtue of support from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2019-07-31
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United States and Europe: Current Issues [May 4, 2011]
"Common values, overlapping interests, and shared goals are the foundation of what is often described as the transatlantic partnership between the United States and Europe. By almost any measure, the institutional pillars of the Euro-Atlantic community - NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] and the European Union (EU) - have proven successful in promoting prosperity, security, and stability in Europe. The U.S. Congress and successive U.S. Administrations have strongly supported both institutions as means to foster democratic states, reliable military allies, and strong trading partners. Many observers stress that in terms of security and prosperity the United States and Europe have grown increasingly interdependent. Both sides of the Atlantic face a common set of challenges, including economic concerns, terrorism, weapons proliferation, energy security, climate change, environmental degradation, and the destabilizing effects of failing and rogue states. Both sides are proponents of democracy, open societies, human rights, and free markets. A full survey of global issues that are important for U.S. and European interests would also include relations with countries such as China, India, and Turkey; concerns about stability in the Balkans and the countries of the former Soviet Union; unrest in North Africa and the Middle East, including the NATO operation in Libya; the Middle East peace process; development assistance and humanitarian aid to the countries of Africa and elsewhere in the developing world; and many more. Supporters of close U.S.-European cooperation argue that neither the United States nor Europe can adequately address such an agenda alone, and that the track record shows the two sides can accomplish much more when they work together."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2011-05-04
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Spain and Its Relations with the United States: In Brief [December 4, 2015]
"Given its role as a close U.S. ally and partner, developments in Spain and its relations with the United States are of continuing interest to the U.S. Congress. This report provides an overview and assessment of some of the main dimensions of these topics." These four topics include: "[1] Domestic Political and Economic Issues. The government of Spain is led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of the center-right Popular Party (PP). The PP won an absolute majority in the general election of November 2011. […] [2] Regional Issues. The Spanish government is firmly opposed to a long-standing independence movement in Catalonia, a region of northeast Spain that includes Barcelona. In November 2015, Spain's constitutional court blocked an attempt by the regional Catalan parliament to begin the process of forming an independent state. […] [3] Counterterrorism. The United States and Spain cooperate closely on counterterrorism issues. An estimated 50 to 100 Spanish citizens and approximately 1,200 Moroccan nationals with Spanish residency cards are thought to have joined jihadist groups fighting in Syria and Iraq. […] [4] U.S.-Spain Defense Relations. Spain plays an important role in U.S. defense strategy for Europe and Africa. Four U.S. destroyers equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system are stationed at the Rota naval base as part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense in Europe. Additionally, Morón air base is the headquarters for a rapid reaction force of 2,200 U.S. Marines that protects U.S. interests and personnel in North Africa. […] [5] U.S.-Spain Economic Relations. Investment flows between the United States and Spain totaled nearly $80 billion in 2013, and the trade relationship totaled nearly $25 billion in 2014. Approximately 1,200 U.S. firms operate subsidiaries and branches in Spain."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2015-12-04
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U.S.-EU Cooperation on Ukraine and Russia [March 13, 2015]
From the Background: "The United States and the 28-member European Union (EU) have pursued similar policies in response to the conflict in Ukraine. (For background, see CRS Report RL33460, Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy.) Both have provided financial aid to bolster Ukraine's political transition and economy, condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea, and called for Russia to end its support of separatists in eastern Ukraine. They have also urged the full implementation of the September 2014 and February 2015 ceasefire agreements. Following the annexation of Crimea in March 2014, the EU and the United States adopted a series of visa bans and asset freezes on several dozen Russian and Ukrainian individuals and entities. Despite the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine, however, many European officials were wary initially of imposing stronger sanctions that they feared might isolate and provoke Russia and jeopardize trade and investment relations; some EU countries highly dependent on Russian oil and gas supplies also worried about endangering energy sector ties. U.S. officials insisted publicly that they would prefer to escalate sanctions on Russia in cooperation with the EU, but many, including some Members of Congress, were frustrated with the reluctance of certain EU countries to agree to tougher sanctions. In the absence of parallel EU action, President Obama announced U.S. sanctions on select Russian financial, energy, and defense companies on July 16, 2014 (see CRS Report IN10048, U.S. Sanctions on Russia in Response to Events in Ukraine)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2015-03-13
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United States and Europe: Current Issues [February 3, 2015]
"Due to extensive cooperation on a wide range of issues, the relationship between the United States and Europe is often called the transatlantic partnership. The two sides have many common values and concerns, and have grown increasingly interdependent in terms of security and prosperity. The transatlantic relationship and the main areas of U.S.-European cooperation and shared interest are likely to have continuing implications for U.S. policy during the 114th Congress. Members of Congress may have an interest in considering the dimensions and dynamics of current issues in U.S.-European relations in the course of oversight or legislative activities, or in the context of direct interactions with European legislators and officials. According to most observers, the overall tone of transatlantic relations during the Obama Administration has been largely positive. At the same time, a constructive tone does not necessarily translate into tangible results with regard to foreign policy objectives or other goals. With respect to certain issues, U.S. and European policies have been at odds and have generated friction in the relationship from time to time. This report summarizes key issues that both illustrate the nature of U.S.-European cooperation based on shared interests and present challenges in terms of the efficacy of such cooperation… […] As the United States and Europe face a changing geopolitical environment, some observers assert that the global influence of the Euro-Atlantic partnership is in decline. In addition, the Obama Administration's announced intention of 're-balancing' U.S. foreign policy toward Asia has caused some anxiety among Europeans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2015-02-03
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United Kingdom: Background and Relations with the United States [March 27, 2015]
"Many U.S. officials and Members of Congress view the United Kingdom (UK) as the United States' closest and most reliable ally. This perception stems from a combination of factors, including a sense of shared history, values, and culture, as well as extensive and long-established cooperation on a wide range of foreign policy and security issues. In the minds of many Americans, the UK's strong role in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past decade reinforced an impression of closeness and solidarity. In recent years, some observers have suggested that the U.S.-UK relationship is losing relevance due to changing U.S. foreign policy priorities and shifting global dynamics. U.S. officials have expressed increasing concerns about UK defense cuts and their potential effect on future security cooperation. Despite such anxieties, most analysts believe that the two countries will remain close allies that choose to cooperate in many important areas, such as counterterrorism, economic issues, and the future of NATO, as well as numerous global and regional security challenges. Given its role as a close U.S. ally and partner, developments in the UK and its relations with the United States are of continuing interest to the U.S. Congress. This report provides an overview and assessment of some of the main dimensions of these topics."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2015-03-27
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United Kingdom Election [April 29, 2015]
"The United Kingdom's (UK) general election takes place May 7, 2015. The previous election, in 2010, resulted in a 'hung Parliament,' as no party won a majority of the 650 seats in the House of Commons. The Conservative Party, led by David Cameron, won the most seats with 307. After winning the three prior elections, the Labour Party finished second with 258 seats. The Conservatives subsequently formed a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats, led by Nick Clegg, who finished third with 57 seats. David Cameron became prime minister, and Nick Clegg became deputy prime minister. Ed Miliband replaced Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour Party. The coalition's signature initiative has been a far-reaching austerity program aiming to reduce the country's budget deficit. The deficit has decreased while economic growth has improved, but austerity has heightened social tensions and caused friction between the coalition partners. The parties have also disagreed over other issues, including the UK's policies toward the European Union (EU)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2015-04-29
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United Kingdom: Background and Relations with the United States [April 29, 2015]
"Many U.S. officials and Members of Congress view the United Kingdom (UK) as the United States' closest and most reliable ally. This perception stems from a combination of factors, including a sense of shared history, values, and culture, as well as extensive and long-established cooperation on a wide range of foreign policy and security issues. In the minds of many Americans, the UK's strong role in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past decade reinforced an impression of closeness and solidarity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2015-04-29
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United Kingdom Election [May 8, 2015]
"The United Kingdom's (UK's) general election that was held on May 7, 2015, resulted in a decisive victory for the Conservative Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister David Cameron. With 331 seats, the Conservatives have the numbers to form a single-party government with a narrow absolute majority in the 650-seat House of Commons. After winning 307 seats in the 2010 election, Prime Minister Cameron and the Conservative Party have led the UK government for the past five years in a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, who held 57 seats. The Labour Party suffered a considerable defeat in the 2015 election, with party leader Ed Miliband resigning after the party dropped to 232 seats, down from the 258 it won in 2010."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2015-05-08
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United Kingdom and the European Union: Stay or Go? [May 4, 2016]
"In-or-Out Vote Set for June 23 'Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?' On June 23, 2016, British voters are expected to answer this question. Prime Minister David Cameron set the referendum date on February 20 after completing months of negotiations with his fellow European Union (EU) leaders about securing a 'special status' in the EU for the United Kingdom (UK)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2016-05-04
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United Kingdom and the European Union: Stay or Go? [February 24, 2016]
"In-or-Out Vote Set for June 23 'Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?' On June 23, 2016, British voters are expected to answer this question. Prime Minister David Cameron set the referendum date on February 20 after completing months of negotiations with his fellow European Union (EU) leaders about securing a 'special status' in the EU for the United Kingdom (UK)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2016-02-24
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United Kingdom and U.S.-UK Relations [April 15, 2013]
"The modern U.S.-UK relationship was forged during the Second World War. It was cemented during the Cold War, as both countries worked together bilaterally and within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to counter the threat of the Soviet Union. The United States and the UK are two of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and both are founding members of NATO. In the early 1990s, the UK was an important U.S. ally in the first Gulf War, and the two countries later worked together in stabilization and peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. The UK was the leading U.S. ally in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent stabilization operations, remains the largest non-U.S. contributor to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, and took a leading role in alliance operations in Libya in 2011. It is also an important U.S. partner in efforts to pressure Iran over its nuclear activities, and to combat international terrorism. The UK is the seventh-largest economy in the world and a major financial center. The United States and the UK share an extensive and mutually beneficial trade and economic relationship, and each is the other's largest foreign investor."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.
2013-04-15
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European Parliament [February 25, 2010]
"The European Parliament (EP) is one of the three key institutions of the 27-member European Union (EU), and the only EU institution whose members are directly elected. The current EP has 736 members. The most recent EP elections were held on June 4-7, 2009. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serve five-year terms. Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. It performs important functions in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and exercises a degree of supervision over the two other main EU institutions, the Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers) and the European Commission. Although the EP does not formally initiate EU legislation, it shares 'co-decision' power with the Council of Ministers in many policy areas, giving it the right to amend or reject proposed EU legislation. The recently ratified Lisbon Treaty increases the EP's role further, giving it amendment and veto authority over the vast majority of EU legislation (with some exceptions, such as tax matters and foreign policy). Moreover, supporters argue, as the only directly elected EU institution, the EP increasingly plays an important checks-and-balances role on behalf of Europe's citizens."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2010-02-25
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European Parliament [July 22, 2009]
"On June 4-7, 2009, the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU) held elections for the European Parliament (EP). The European Parliament is one of the three key institutions of the European Union, and the only EU institution whose members are directly elected. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serve five-year terms. Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time--it performs important functions in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and exercises supervision over the two other main EU institutions, the Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers) and the European Commission. Although it does not formally initiate EU legislation, the EP has 'co-decision' power in about three-quarters of EU legislation, giving it the right to amend or reject proposals. The Lisbon Treaty, if ratified, would increase the EP's role further, giving it amendment and veto authority over the vast majority of EU legislation. Moreover, supporters argue, as the only directly elected EU institution, the EP increasingly plays an important checks-and-balances role on behalf of Europe's citizens. Supporters also claim that the EP's influence is even growing in strictly consultative areas, such as the EU's common foreign policy, and that the EP has become an important forum for debate on international issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2009-07-22
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Nuclear Weapons R&D Organizations in Nine Nations [May 1, 2013]
"Since 1945, seven nations--China, France, India, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States--have developed and currently deploy nuclear weapons. North Korea tested a low-yield nuclear explosive device in October 2006, announced that it had conducted a second nuclear test in May 2009, and announced a third test on February 12, 2013. Israel is generally thought to possess nuclear weapons, although it maintains a policy of ambiguity on this matter. This report describes the organizations controlling research and development (R&D) on nuclear weapons (i.e., nuclear explosive devices, as distinct from the bombers and missiles that carry them) in these nations, and presents a brief history of the organizations controlling nuclear weapons R&D in the United States. It discusses whether these organizations are civilian or military, though in many nations the lines between civilian and military are blurred. This information may be of use to Members of Congress and their staff interested in nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation, and arms control matters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Medalia, Jonathan E.; Belkin, Paul; Kan, Shirley . . .
2013-05-01
