- February 15, 2026
- ; 7:30
- -
- February 15, 2026
- ; 9:00
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026, the Aspen Institute Germany brought together security experts, diplomats, policymakers, and leading representatives from transatlantic think tanks for an exclusive, off-the-record discussion on the future of the transatlantic partnership. The roundtable took place against a backdrop of extraordinary geopolitical tension: lingering uncertainty over Ukraine’s trajectory, destabilizing developments in and around Venezuela and Greenland, and widespread unrest in Iran shaped the context for candid exchange. One year into his presidency, President Trump’s disruptive strategy—marked by aggressive rhetoric and tariffs—has reshaped global dynamics, unsettled allies, and raised fundamental questions about the future of the multilateral order.
Under the title “Transatlantic Relations and the New World Order – Is this the End of the EU and NATO?” participants engaged in a forward-looking conversation on the current state of the transatlantic relationship, the implications of recent U.S. policies for the European Union and NATO, European responses to accelerating geopolitical shifts, and strategies to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security and independence. The discussion was co-moderated by Ruediger Lentz and Aspen Germany’s executive director Stormy-Annika Mildner, and benefited from the insights of a diverse group committed to sustaining the transatlantic security architecture.
The event was hosted in partnership with the American Council on Germany, Berlin Dialogue, Aspen Institute Germany, and WiTreuLegal, with additional support from the Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft e.V. and German American Exchange. At a time of disruption and uncertainty, the roundtable reaffirmed that open, trusted dialogue remains essential for safeguarding shared security interests and shaping a resilient, cooperative international order.
