Second Workshop on Transatlantic Relations Held at EUI in Florence

From March 14-15, 2025, leading scholars gathered at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence for the second workshop in the series The Deep Structure of Transatlantic Relations: Diversity and Complementarity. The event, held at the historic Badia Fiesolana, built on the discussions initiated at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and continued the examination of key geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges shaping transatlantic cooperation.

The workshop was organized by Eugénia da Conçeicão-Heldt (TUM), Erik Jones (EUI), and Andrew Moravcsik (Princeton University) and brought together experts from renowned institutions, including Princeton University, Georgia Institute of Technology, City University of London, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, and the University of Montreal.

Over the course of two days, discussions focused on the structural foundations of transatlantic relations, including military alliances, industrial policy, and the role of soft law in trade and technology. Particular attention was given to the challenges arising from Donald Trump’s second presidency. Experts analyzed how the shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump are affecting transatlantic cooperation. His “America First” approach, an increasingly unilateral stance on trade and security, and growing distance from multilateral institutions have raised concerns in Europe about a potential strategic decoupling. The uncertainty surrounding the long-term reliability of the United States as a partner is putting strain on existing agreements in defense, trade, and technology.

Participants also debated how Europe should respond to these geopolitical shifts. While some advocated for greater strategic autonomy for the EU, others argued for a pragmatic partnership with the U.S., particularly in areas such as transatlantic security. Rising tensions with China and the evolving global balance of power were identified as key challenges for the transatlantic partnership. The workshop underscored the need for Europe to reassess its strategic autonomy while at the same time preserving the core pillars of its long-standing alliance with the United States.