EU: President George Bush's inaugural speech has received praise from this side of the Atlantic. The European Commission, through its chief spokesman, yesterday welcomed what it said were positive signs contained in the speech marking the president's second four-year term.
"We welcome the indication that he [ Bush] has given of the willingness of the Bush administration to have a strengthened relationship with the EU," said Ms Francoise Le Bail. "We are happy to note that."
In a speech peppered with references to liberty and freedom, Mr Bush made an overture to multilateralism. "All the allies of the United States can know: We honour your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help."
Ms Le Bail also emphasised the significance of Mr Bush's planned trip to Europe next month - the first trip abroad of his second term.
She called it "a sign of the importance that the administration wants to give to relations with the EU".
The 25-member Union, which will be represented by the tiny state of Luxembourg, has said it wants to discuss a wide range of issues with the president.
However, despite the Commission's welcoming words, the fundamental differences set to mark President Bush's next term are already emerging.
They concern Iran and China.
Washington, fearing hi-tech weapons in Chinese hands, has expressed its frustration with the EU's intention to lift its 15-year-old arms embargo on that country.
The US is similarly reticent about the EU's approach to Iran. Britain, Germany and France have taken the lead in pushing the diplomatic route with Tehran. However, Washington has refused to rule out military action against Iran if it is not more forthcoming about its suspected nuclear weapons programme.
The uncertainty caused by possible further US military interventions is reflected among people around the world.
A poll commissioned by the BBC World Service, and published before the president's inauguration, showed that, on average, 58 per cent of respondents across 21 countries believed another Bush term would make the world a more dangerous place. Of the European countries polled, only Poland bucked the trend with a majority believing he would have a positive effect on peace in the world.
In Germany and France, 77 per cent and 75 per cent respectively thought Mr Bush would have a negative effect.