The European Union and United States will come to an agreement at a summit on Monday that climate change is a significant challenge that requires immediate and ongoing global action, as stated in a draft document obtained by Reuters. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, visiting Washington for the first time since becoming EU president, is aiming to persuade the Bush administration to implement tangible measures to reduce the greenhouse gases linked to climate change. Merkel is optimistic that the joint statement will set the stage for a more comprehensive agreement on addressing global warming at the upcoming June G8 summit she will host in Heiligendamm, Germany. She expressed her belief that progress has been made on climate and energy efficiency, and hopes to build on this foundation for a broader agreement involving the G8 nations, as well as possibly India and China. The declaration regarding energy security, efficiency, and climate change will be introduced in conjunction with a broader "Transatlantic Economic Partnership" aimed at reducing costly non-tariff barriers to trade between the EU and the United States. As part of this agreement, the partners will seek to standardize regulatory practices and collaborate on matters such as intellectual property, trade security, investment, and financial markets. A council, headed by EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen and White House economic adviser Allan Hubbard, will be established to oversee the alignment of regulations and submit yearly reports to EU and US leaders. Alongside the planned agenda, Merkel and Bush will also discuss various international issues, including Iran's nuclear program and peace efforts in the Middle East. Recent tensions in Russian relations have come to the forefront following a confrontational speech by President Vladimir Putin denouncing US missile defense plans in central Europe and suspending Moscow's obligations under a key arms treaty. Washington believes that the shield would protect against threats from countries like Iran and North Korea, while Moscow views it as a provocation and infringement on its former sphere of influence. Merkel emphasized the importance of discussing this issue with Russia through the NATO-Russia council, although she clarified that it would not be the main focus of her discussions with Bush. German officials have praised the joint declaration on climate change as a positive step for the Bush administration, but the statement does not include any specific commitments. The draft acknowledges the need to stabilize greenhouse gases and recognizes the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which recently reported on the potential consequences of rising temperatures. It calls for the development and implementation of advanced technologies to reduce global emissions and promises a collaborative effort to achieve results at Heiligendamm and cooperate leading up to a crucial U.N. climate change meeting in Bali, Indonesia in December. During her fourth trip to Washington, Merkel has formed a strong bond with Bush, improving relations that suffered under her predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, during the Iraq war. However, she faces a tough challenge in convincing Bush to commit to global measures to combat climate change before the upcoming Heiligendamm meeting. German officials are worried that the escalating tensions between the US and Russia over the missile shield and the impending dispute over Kosovo's independence could overshadow the summit scheduled for June 6-8.