[americanbychoice]

NASA, the US sponsored programs only work because enough money is put into R&D. The ESA project that just failed was grossly underfunded and thus failed. If you don't put enough quality into a program you are just wasting your time. From my perspective, not trusting the EU is a half full glass of water.
A joint program would simply mean that the US would provide the majority of funding and the EU would take credit for it.
I like it the way it is.
They always crow about the EU having more population than the US (for the time being)and will be a major competitor, but even with 450 million inhabitants, and shrinking, The gdp and productivity will always be below the US.
I can hear it now: "We don't have the money to contribute", therefore the US will have to pay the greatest part. No thanks, I like for us to go it alone.
.......and don't tell me that the EU wouldn't provide enough paper obstacles to prevent a joint venture, especially if we are talking Nuclear propellants for spaceships? All of Europe would be on the streets protesting that one.
....and getting paid for that "Save the world" initiative.

[demlosers]

and don't tell me that the EU wouldn't provide enough paper obstacles to prevent a joint venture, especially if we are talking Nuclear propellants for spaceships? All of Europe would be on the streets protesting that one. ....and getting paid for that "Save the world" initiative.

We certainly are talking about nuclear engines for space at a tune of $3 billion in development and research over the next 5 years: Prometheus the Pardigm Buster. A good reason to keep the weenies away.