Future of Europe: What Trump 2 means for transatlantic relations!

Future of Europe: What Trump 2 means for transatlantic relations!

On May 7, 2025, a significant event took place in the Helmut Schmidt Auditorium of the Bucerius Law School that addressed the consequences of Donald Trump's second term in office for the European Union (EU). Organized by Studium generale in cooperation with the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS and the Hertie School, experts gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Europe in this complex geopolitical context. Among the discussants were Johanna von Eben-Worlée, a prominent Hamburg family businesswoman, David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, and Professor Dr. Burkhard Schwenker, a respected management consultant.

The discussion was led by Dr. Cornelius Adebahr moderated and began with a welcome by Professor Dr. Michael Grünberger, President of Bucerius Law School. The consensus on the deterioration of transatlantic relations since the start of Trump's second term was clear. Nevertheless, there was an optimistic view of the future possibilities for Europe. Eben-Worlée expressed a sobering conclusion and referred to serious challenges that have arisen from blocked retail chains, customs duties and shifting production locations.

Transatlantic challenges

The transatlantic relationship is shaped by many issues, including energy supply, economic policy and defense capacities. In this regard, both Americans and Europeans are calling for stringent action. Both sides assess the overall political situation similarly, but set different accents in their expectations of their respective cooperation. McAllister described the recent weeks as “terrible” and warned of a further reduction in shared progress.

Professor Schwenker described the Atlantic bridge as “collapsed” and made it clear that Europe should not remain stuck in theoretical analysis but should take action. The identified areas of action include, in particular, trade, economics and defense. Eben-Worlée also called for limiting the damage caused by tariffs and better adaptability through free trade agreements in order to strengthen the EU's economic sovereignty.

Strategies for the future

The proposals made during the event pointed to the need to develop Europe's own security and defense industry. Professor Schwenker emphasized that this must be done with the appropriate financial resources. Eben-Worlée also advocated the integration of research institutes into the area of ​​“defense technology” and the use of the economic strengths of Germany and Europe, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and climate research.

The discussion was also based on the analysis of current trade relations and the geopolitical context, particularly the role of China. In a report by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), the EU is described as having one of the most integrated bilateral trade and investment relationships in the world with the USA. The group emphasizes that Germany and the EU are striving to expand cooperation with the USA while avoiding trade conflicts. This is particularly relevant as the Biden administration continues to pursue trade policy approaches under Trump and the rivalry with China intensifies.

The challenges arising from current political developments require a high level of coordination and commitment from both sides of the Atlantic. This is the only way to ensure long-term peace and prosperity in the transatlantic region. With the upcoming US presidential election in 2024 and possible further changes in trade policy, it is crucial that Europe not only reacts, but proactively develops its own strategies to consolidate its position on the global stage.

Overall, the results of the discussion and the insights shared make it clear that transatlantic relations are not only a central issue on the political agenda, but also a crucial factor for the economy and security in both regions.

Further information and in-depth analyzes of transatlantic relations can be found in the reports from law-school.de, hss.de and dgap.org.