Trade, trust, and transition: Shaping the next transatlantic chapter

Policy Brief

Since beginning his second term in office, U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have taken swift actions to undermine the foundations of alliance and partnership between the United States and Europe. These efforts come at a critical moment in which the United States and Europe face significant transatlantic challenges that demand shared solutions—from security and migration to trade, climate, and digital governance.

Against this backdrop, frank dialogue is more crucial than ever. This joint report by FEPS and the Center for American Progress (CAP) aims to demonstrate that the long-standing relationship between the United States and its European partners is stronger than one administration.

It brings together a U.S. and an European expert to offer perspectives on 5 of the most pressing issues shaping the future of the transatlantic alliance, for a total of 10 articles by leading voices from across the Atlantic:

1. Security and Peace

The American Case for the Transatlantic Alliance
by Rep. Jason Crow

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.

EU-U.S. Relations in the Peace and Security Domain
by Ann Linde

Former Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde 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.

2. Migration and Inclusion

Borders, Burdens, and Balance: A Strategic Vision for Migration in the United States and the European Union
by Dan Restrepo

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.

The State of Transatlantic Migration Policy
by Hedwig Giusto

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.

3. Trade and Industry

Opportunities for Progressives Amid Transatlantic Repercussions of U.S. Trade Policy
by Elizabeth Baltzan

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.

EU-U.S. Trade and Industrial Relations in Turbulent Geoeconomic Waters
by Tomáš Petříček

Former Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Tomáš Petříček, Director of the Progressive Analytical Centre and Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Centre for Global Political Economy of Institute of International Relations in Prague, offers a European approach focused on strategic industries, resilience, and social fairness.

4. Climate and Energy

The United States’ Climate Whiplash: From Climate Leadership to Climate Retreat
by Frances Colón

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.

Europe and U.S. States Can Lead the Way on Transatlantic Climate Action
by Florian Ranft

Florian Ranft, Head of “Green New Deal” at Das Progressive Zentrum, charts the EU’s path toward a green industrial transformation rooted in solidarity and long-term sustainability.

5. Digital & Data governance

Regulating AI in the Evolving Transatlantic Landscape
by Alondra Nelson

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 digital governance that balances guardrails and responsible innovation.

Maintaining EU Digital Policy Amid Changing Transatlantic Relations
by Alex Saliba and Gerard Rinse Oosterwijk

Member of the European Parliament Alex Saliba underscores the urgency of regulating this new frontier—and calls on the EU not to back down from that task.

Together, these essays underscore the continued relevance and necessity of U.S.–EU cooperation. They show that while the moment is turbulent, forging transatlantic commitment to overcoming challenges is possible—and urgent.

This essay series was launched during the Progressive Economics Network (PEN) 2025 meeting that took place in Washington D.C.