conclusion

The NextGen Network attitudes about the transatlantic relationship, its values, and issues has revealed an agenda for the future of this special relationship. Despite hardships, the US-EU relationship remains the most important relationship for both entities. Democracy and economic opportunity persist as key shared values on which to base future collaboration. Protecting democracy, addressing climate change, and coordinating tech policy will be critical issues for the transatlantic community.

While some of these issues, like democracy, have been the focus of the transatlantic relationship over many years, this survey demonstrates how the NextGen Network’s values and concerns differ from previous generations.

They are more concerned about climate change and technology. They do not value multilateralism as strongly as their predecessors or share concerns about geopolitical grand strategy or arms control. They are not satisfied with the current state of issues in the transatlantic relationship, yet they remain optimistic and hopeful for the future.

As this next generation of leaders begins to assume positions of leadership, their ideas and attitudes will shape the future of the transatlantic relationship. According to this survey, they intend to make that future more democratic, sustainable, and economically prosperous.