Washington, D.C. — In the first three months of his second term in office, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken actions to undermine the foundations of alliance and partnership between the United States and Europe. These efforts come at a critical time as leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are wrestling with challenges that demand shared solutions—from security and migration to trade, climate, and digital governance.
A new joint report from the Center for American Progress and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) shows how the long-standing relationship between the United States and its European partners is stronger than one administration.
The report brings together 10 leading voices from the United States and Europe to offer perspectives on five of the most pressing issues shaping the future of the transatlantic alliance:
- U.S. Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) draws on his military service to outline the enduring value of transatlantic cooperation in addressing traditional defense challenges, hybrid threats, and emerging domains such as cyberspace.
- Ann Linde, former Swedish minister for foreign affairs, offers a European perspective on strategic autonomy and alliance building—and reflects on Sweden’s historic accession to NATO as a turning point for European security.
- Dan Restrepo, senior fellow at CAP and former senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs at the National Security Council, offers a strategic vision for managing migration rooted in the national interest, economic pragmatism, and democratic values.
- Hedwig Giusto, senior research fellow at FEPS, explores the path toward a more coherent and values-based European migration framework—and warns that a narrow, security-driven approach will only strengthen the political winds powering the far right.
- Elizabeth Baltzan, former councilor for trade and investment at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in the Biden administration, reflects on the limits of globalization and calls for new trade rules that strengthen democratic economies.
- Tomáš Petříček, former Czech minister of foreign affairs, offers a European approach focused on strategic industries, resilience, and social fairness.
- Frances Colón, senior fellow for International Climate Policy at CAP and former deputy science and technology adviser to the U.S. secretary of state during the Obama administration, outlines a U.S. climate strategy grounded in environmental justice and innovation.
- Florian Ranft, executive board member at Das Progressive Zentrum, charts the EU’s path toward a green industrial transformation rooted in solidarity and long-term sustainability.
- Alondra Nelson, distinguished senior fellow at CAP and former deputy assistant to the president and acting director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Biden administration, highlights the need for an equity-first approach to digital governance.
- Alex Saliba, member of the European Parliament, underscores the urgency of regulating this new frontier—and calls on the EU not to back down from that task.
Read the report: “Trade, Trust, and Transition: Shaping the Next Transatlantic Chapter” by the Center for American Progress and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].