In Richmond, EU ambassador talks trade policy

European Union Ambassador John Bruton came to Richmond yesterday to share something new that the 27 EU nations have learned:

Sometimes, letting foreigners bid for public contracts pays off.

"The effect of these has been that public jobs are done more efficiently and less expensively because you have more competition," he said, speaking of the EU's experience in opening government contracts to firms from all countries.

As a former prime minister of Ireland -- yesterday marked his 40th year in public life -- Bruton says it's important for governments to remain frugal even as they spend vast sums to stimulate their economies.

"At the end of the day, this is all taxpayer dollars that you're spending," he said. "If you're building a school, you want the school to be built to the best quality and the quickest time and the lowest cost. If that can be achieved by including some materials that come from somewhere else, well that's something that's worth doing."

It is something he'd like Americans to consider, especially as Congress enacts "Buy American" requirements for Washington's economic-stimulus programs.

While building schools and sewer lines in Virginia may not seem like work a French, German or Polish firm might be interested in, Bruton said Europeans are worried about being shut out of markets for selling equipment, software and electronics.

Even more, though, is the principle of the thing, he said.

"Our concern is increasing protectionism, even if it is flying under a different flag, whether it is health and safety, or security or economic stimulus," he said.

Trade issues, whether the EU's concern over legislation that would require the Federal Aviation Administration to inspect overseas aviation-inspection stations, or U.S. farmers' concern over European refusal to allow imports of hormone-treated beef, often can seem to be about matters other than money, Bruton said.

Bruton has an interest in farm and rural issues, saying he has been exploring Virginia's aggressive efforts to develop broadband telecommunication services in the countryside. He said a recent tour through Southwest Virginia was a chance to look at ways local communities are working to find jobs and opportunities for young people who can't count on making a living on the family farm.

And yesterday, after a stopover in Charles City County where he saw how no-till farming -- basically, not plowing under harvest residue -- can cut fuel and fertilizer expenses, he said U.S. farmers have plenty to teach their Europeans counterparts.

But not him.

"I grew up on a farm, but I was no good at it," Bruton said. "I had to go into politics."

Contact David Ress at (804) 649-6051 or .