2024 Transatlantic Bridge Conference: Fostering Transatlantic cooperation in an evolving world
On June 14-16, a new edition of the Transatlantic Bridge Conference was celebrated in Bologna. This initiative was curated by the Global Policy Center (GPC) within IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, and is being held with our partners at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, and PSIA Sciences Po.
From June 14 to 16, 2024, leaders gathered in Bologna, Italy, to celebrate a new edition of the Transatlantic Bridge Conference. This three-day event was curated by the Global Policy Center (GPC) at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs alongside our partners at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs and Sciences Po Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA).
The Transatlantic Bridge Conference began with the goal of strengthening US–EU ties through informed dialogue on democracy, human rights, defense, trade, technology and environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2018, the Conference has quickly become a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration between the US and Europe, bringing together top policymakers, scholars and industry experts to tackle pressing transatlantic issues. It isn’t just an opportunity to exchange ideas, but also to outline strategies for strengthening transatlantic bonds and overcoming challenges together.
Past Conferences have tackled topics rooted in analyses of security and foreign policy as the historical crux of transatlantic partnerships. More issues of consideration range from the global impact of shifts in American politics to developmental partnerships with Latin America and Asia. Meanwhile, the 2024 edition tackled the theme "Navigating the Transatlantic Relationship in a Rapidly Changing Global Landscape."
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine was a key topic at the Transatlantic Bridge Conference, as were tensions between the United States and China and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also touched on the results of the EU parliamentary elections and the looming US presidential election, along with deep dives into questions of technological advancement, trade and economics, sustainability and climate change. The shared values between Western countries underpinned the framework for working through scenarios and possible solutions to these issues.
As in past Conferences, the most recent edition united experts from academia and practitioners from government, media and think tanks. Manuel Muñiz, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, stressed that “this year is pivotal for transatlantic relations. With elections in Europe and the US, the nature and substance of the transatlantic partnership will be shaped for years to come.”
Notably, this year’s Conference was also the launching ground for a new GPC-led report, “Beyond Electoral Uncertainty: Rethinking the Transatlantic Alliance in Times of Change.” The report considers the pressures exerted by numerous instances of uncertainty globally and how these destabilize the liberal democratic model. In particular, the report explores how reinforcing the bonds between Western democracies can safeguard common values and systems despite complex global challenges.
Read the full report and get more expert insights into the future of the Transatlantic Alliance on our Publications page.
For PM: Since the elections have already passed, would it be better to say "just-concluded"?
For PM: Same question: since the School has a new Dean, should we add "former..." here, or leave it as-is to keep the piece evergreen?