High-Level Discussion on the Future of the Transatlantic Partnership: “The Transatlantic Outlook – Competitiveness, Security and Strategic Resilience”

Few questions are more consequential for the transatlantic relationship today than how to remain competitive, secure and strategically resilient in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. 

On Tuesday, 29 September 2026, the College of Europe Chair of Transatlantic Trade and Economy and Microsoft brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics and experts for “The Transatlantic Outlook: Competitiveness, Security, and Strategic Resilience” – an afternoon dedicated to exploring the economic, security and political forces reshaping EU-U.S. relations.

The strength of the programme was matched by an exceptional line-up of speakers, including NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila ŠEKERINSKA, Dr João CRAVINHO, Katarina WALLIN BUREAU, Teddy BRETSCHGER, Bart SZEWCZYK, Khalil GHARBIEH, Penny NAAS, Lídia PEREIRA, Norman Thatcher SCHARPF, Žaneta VEGNERE, Henrik BLIDDAL, General Seán CLANCY, Alena KUDZKO, Ingrid MAGNUSSON, Simonas ŠATŪNAS, Jack BLANCHARD, Dr Ian LESSER, Laurence NARDON and Bruce STOKES.

From AI and industrial policy to supply chains and defence cooperation, the discussions examined some of the most pressing issues on the transatlantic agenda today: how to strengthen competitiveness in a changing global economy, how to adapt the transatlantic security architecture to evolving challenges and what the upcoming U.S. midterm elections could mean for the partnership.

Our warm thanks to all our speakers for bringing such a wealth of expertise to the conversation and to everyone who joined us in Brussels for this rich and forward-looking discussion!

Photos of the Event