The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing global lock-down as governments try to slow the spread of the corona virus has tested individuals and institutions around the world. Since March of 2020, the ACG has stepped up its digital programming by hosting webinars and video discussions which bring together policy makers and thought leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss some of the key issues shaping transatlantic relations in an unprecedented time. In addition to organizing events on its own, the ACG has also partnered with other organizations such as 1014 and Atlantik-Brücke to launch new series designed to reach beyond the ACG community.
With the election of Joe Biden, there is a window of opportunity to renew constructive dialogue on improving European-U.S. trade that can strengthen relations and set a path to closer cooperation in the future. Even before assuming his new role as Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said that one of the first steps to be taken by the Biden administration would be to “end the artificial trade war” between Europe and the United States. In early March, we started seeing signs of this intent in action. But, more needs to be done – and Germany can play a critical role in further strengthening the transatlantic economy.
Last month, AmCham Germany published a position paper on what a new agenda for the transatlantic trade and investment partnership can look like. And, earlier this month it also released its annual Transatlantic Business Barometer. On April 28, the ACG hosted a conversation with Daniel Andrich, the General Manager of AmCham Germany, regarding these two publications and an assessment of how Europe and the U.S. can work together to craft a new agenda for the transatlantic trade and investment.
Earlier this year, President Biden declared at the Munich Security Conference that “America is back!” Since coming into office, the Biden administration has returned to the Paris Climate Agreement, entered talks regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and demonstrated its interest in renewing the United States’ relationships with allies.
This is a historic/pivotal time for strengthening the transatlantic alliance and addressing NATO’s common problems, but we also face challenges and potential pitfalls. On April 27, the American Council on Germany and Atlantik-Brücke hosted a discussion with Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State Philip T. Reeker, followed by a discussion moderated by Dr. Anna Sauerbrey, who heads the opinion pages of Der Tagesspiegel and Tagesspiegel Causa.
Each week, the American Council on Germany hosts a discussion with a Berlin-based journalist on the latest developments in Germany. On April 26, the ACG hosted a “kaffeepause,” or “coffee break” with Matthias Deiß (2008 ACG Young Leader), Editorial Director of ARD-Politikmagazin Kontraste, who discussed the impact of the pandemic on the upcoming elections in Germany.
The American Council on Germany and the Aspen Institute Germany have launched a virtual event series to provide a platform for subnational exchange and in-depth discussions amongst German and American state legislators on common transatlantic challenges. On April 21, Barbara Becker, Member of the State Parliament of Bavaria (CSU); Joschka Knuth, Member of the State Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein (Alliance 90/The Greens); Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R), Pennsylvania House of Representatives; and Representative Mari Manoogian (D), Michigan House of Representatives exchanged their views on how states deal with climate change and energy policy.
Each week, the American Council on Germany hosts a kaffeepause, or coffee break, with a journalist based in Berlin. On April 19, Sonja Gillert, Head of Audio for Die Welt, joined the ACG for a discussion on the political landscape in Germany, foreign policy, and the pandemic.