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Nanovic Institute for European Studies with the European member states and provides security for some of Europe’s more vulnerable constituents.11 Additionally, the U.S., NATO, and the EU share a common interest to promote the spread of democracy throughout the world. The United States has also maintained a healthy relationship with Europe through a close partnership with the European Union. The main objective of the European Union is “to promote peace, follow the EU’s values and improve the wellbeing of nations.”12 Climate change and international security, highlighted by the surge in terrorism in the 21st century, are among the most crucial areas of European and American cooperation. President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement was widely condemned by major European powers and created a policy chasm between the two entities, one which must now be faced by a new president. The longstanding commitment to international partnerships will presumably allow Europe and the United States to begin to repair the relationship that was strained by the former administration’s “America First” agenda.
Points of Convergence: Economic Relations The United States and the European Union possess the two largest economies in the world, boasting a nominal GDP of $21.4 trillion and $15.6 trillion, respectively, approximately three-sevenths of the total global economy as of January 2020.13 The majority of European nations cite the United States as their largest non-EU trading partner, a relationship that must be maintained for mutual economic expansion to continue. This necessity is made more evident by the recent economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Moving forward, any relationship between the United States and the European Union must provide economic stability at least and prosperity at best for two of the world’s largest trading markets. Despite dissimilar views of the Iraq War, longstanding institutional and organizational cooperation between the U.S. and Europe have fostered strong relations and unity on several international fronts. The Trump presidency, however, ushered in a new era of uncertainty for the European-American relationship, and while the research conducted indicates a welcome change
University of Notre Dame | Keough School of Global Affairs
