(AP) - A look at the U.S. presidential candidates' views on European issues:
Global Warming:
Global warming policy has been a major divide in trans-Atlantic relations since President George W. Bush spurned the Kyoto treaty during his first year in office. The administration opposed government mandated restrictions on gas emissions that cause global warming.
Both McCain and Obama favor such restrictions. They advocate using market-based cap-and-trade systems that would set emission limits for companies and allow those who produce less than they are allowed to sell credits for the difference. Big emitters could buy credits to meet their requirements.
However, the two candidates differ in how they would structure their cap-and-trade plans as well as their targets for emission reductions. McCain wants cuts that would bring emissions of greenhouse gases to 60 percent below 1990 levels. Obama aims for 80 percent below 1990 levels.
Trade:
McCain is a long-time supporter of free trade and has defended trade deals at a time that opposition has been rising in the United States. He also has opposed the U.S. agricultural subsidies that have been a major impediment to a new global trade deal.
Obama has said he too supports free trade but has advocated negotiating environmental and labor standards as part of future trade deals. He also has urged renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement to include tougher standards.
Russia:
McCain has been a harsh critic of Russia’s government over its aggressive foreign policy and record on democratic reform and human rights. He has advocated isolating Moscow on the international stage, including excluding it from the Group of Eight industrial countries.
Obama has made similar criticisms but argues that Russia is too important to isolate. He has urged continuing cooperation on issues including nuclear anti-proliferation and anti-terrorism.
NATO expansion:
Both candidates have supported NATO extending a membership track to Ukraine and Georgia, former Soviet republics, over Russian objections.
Missile Defense:
McCain is an ardent supporter of missile defense. He has supported U.S. plans to build a European missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Obama has expressed skepticism about the size of U.S. spending on missile defense. He has said he supports deploying the European missile defense system but only after it has been tested properly to prove it is effective.
That requirement could delay it for years.
