The relationship between the US and the EU is of major concern. The EU is not only a major trading partner of the US. Historically and particularly during the Cold War several member states and the US have been allies and have held strong political ties. The EU and the US have also been economic competitors and have used the World Trade Organizations to deal with trade wars. Differences exist, for example, in approaches to biogenetic engineered agricultural products and the death penalty.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify the major components of what the transatlantic relations are built on.
  2. Discuss what the EU’s role should be in current and future conflicts in Europe.
  3. Contrast different approaches and areas of conflict between the US and the EU.
  4. Discuss the future potentials of transatlantic relationship.

Study Guide

  1. Find out about current issues in transatlantic - EU-US relations
  2. Investigate current events, discussions, in German-US relations with EU relevance at the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies.