A strong transatlantic alliance is indispensable for mastering the major challenges of our time. Under the US administration of Joe Biden and against the backdrop of the Russian war in Ukraine, Germany and the United States have moved closer together again. Germany’s partnership with Canada is also becoming increasingly important in view of the various global crises. Given their shared history and values, Germany, the USA and Canada are natural partners for tackling the key challenges of today and tomorrow together.
The “Laboratories of Democracy Initiative” brings together 30 state legislators from Germany, the United States and Canada each year to promote values-based dialog and exchange of ideas on common political challenges at the subnational level. Louis Brandeis, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, once described the US states as a “laboratory of democracy” where new and innovative political approaches could be explored. The project takes up this idea and focuses on the role of state legislators in developing political solutions and promoting transatlantic relations.
Each exchange is dedicated to a different core topic with social relevance on both sides of the Atlantic. The last years dealt with the topic of critical infrastructure with various focal points. In 2025, the focus was on the topic of social cohesion. The group of participants used the impressions gained during the program, their own experiences and joint discussions to develop non-partisan recommendations for action at the subnational level and for transatlantic cooperation, which will be published at the end of the program year. The project creates sustainable transatlantic networks, strengthens transatlantic relations at the subnational level and breaks down prejudices and stereotypes. At the same time, the exchange of experiences within the core group and with external experts and decision-makers leads to the development of innovative solutions for shared transatlantic challenges.
The project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Fifth Round of Exchanges 2025
A total of 30 German, U.S. and Canadian state and provincial legislators are invited to engaged in an exchange on the topic of social cohesion. The participants of the fifth will meet in Dresden, SN, and Toronto, ON, as part of two study trips, as well as virtually through digital workshops.
Fourth Round of Exchanges 2024
30 German, U.S. and Canadian members of parliament engaged in an exchange on the topic of critical infrastructure. The participants of the fourth year met in Mainz, RP, and Austin, TX, as part of two study trips, as well as virtually through digital workshops.
Third Round of Exchanges 2023
16 German and U.S. state legislators engaged in discussions on structural change and the revitalization of post-industrial areas during the third Laboratories of Democracy cohort’s study trips to Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Harrisburg, PA, and virtual sessions.
Second Round of Exchanges 2022
14 German and U.S. state legislators engaged in discussions on climate and energy during the second Laboratories of Democracy cohort’s study trips to Schwerin, Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, Princeton, NJ, and virtual sessions.
First Round of Exchanges 2020-2021
14 German and U.S. state legislators discussed 2020/21 about the topic of digitalization. The participants of the first Laboratories of Democracy year met for a study trip in Stuttgart, Germany and virtually.
