A New Chapter for Transatlantic Relations

Since the inception of the Marshall Plan, the U.S.-European relations have been based on a fundamental assumption—that the United States is the guarantor of European integration and security. Yet, President Trump presidency has challenged such proposition and drove several countries to implement their own national strategies, rooted in divergent assessments of the changes happening in the United States. Currently, the Biden presidency presents a unique opportunity to revitalize transatlantic relations and launch a positive policy agenda together with the United States. Yet, the precondition of such a reset is European agreement on key elements of a transatlantic agenda. Germany, Poland, and France, the countries of the Weimar Triangle, have a crucial role to play in forging such an agreement. Given today’s multiplicity of challenges, ranging from climate change to China’s and Russia’s assertiveness, what should this revitalized transatlantic partnership look like? During the panel, senior representatives from the three countries will discuss their views on the new U.S. administration, the opportunities to jointly address today’s major challenges, and the leading role their countries can play in strengthening transatlantic relations.