Who Needs Allies? A Conversation on the Transatlantic Partnership

Closed-Door Expert Roundtable

For more than seven decades, the transatlantic partnership has been a cornerstone of
international security, prosperity, and shared democratic values. Yet, in recent years, the
alliance had to face shifting global power dynamics, emerging and unexpected security
threats and diverging domestic priorities on both sides of the Atlantic. Sheltered under
the protection of the United States, Europe has been able to develop and prosper
economically. Today, however, politics is increasingly driven by national self-interest, and
autocratic regimes threaten to undermine stable democracies. At the same time, rising
geopolitical tensions offer opportunities for Europe to overcome years of stagnation, to
advance much-needed reforms and to strengthen its own capabilities. Thus, in an era of
growing self-interest, do allies still matter?

What role should and could the Transatlantic Partnership play in addressing geopolitical
competition, security and technological transformation? How can allies sustain public and political support for cooperation, while managing differences and expectations?

At a moment when global challenges, such as climate change, technological transformation, and threats to global security demand collective responses, we invite you
to explore, in particular, how the transatlantic partnership can adapt and remain relevant
in the years ahead.