The February 2025 session of the PRINCEPS Executive Club, held in Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, examined the evolving nature of transatlantic relations in light of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, the upcoming German federal elections, and the broader global rise of extremist political movements. Organised by the PRINCEPS Risk Intelligence Institute, the event brought together policymakers, analysts, and observers to reflect on the shifting political landscape and its impact on Europe’s strategic direction.

Keynote speeches were delivered by Damian Boeselager, Member of the European Parliament for Volt Europa, and Gordon Repinski, Editor-in-Chief of Politico Germany. Both speakers drew from their respective backgrounds in European politics and political journalism to provide in-depth perspectives on the state of U.S.-German relations and the broader European political climate.

Discussion

Boeselager emphasised the need for greater political engagement and underscored that Europe must empower its brightest minds to step into decision-making roles. Repinski offered a sharp analysis of the current German political scene and the broader media dynamics influencing public discourse. Together, they examined the pressures facing democracies on both sides of the Atlantic and the role of political leadership in preserving democratic integrity.

The discussion highlighted the strategic importance of transatlantic cooperation while acknowledging the growing challenges it faces in today’s geopolitical environment. With the return of a Trump presidency and the prospect of increasingly fragmented political landscapes across Europe, the conversation turned to how the European Union can assert greater agency and develop more robust mechanisms of internal resilience.

Speakers and participants alike called for a renewed focus on party politics and political education, identifying these as key tools in countering polarisation and maintaining democratic accountability. The conversation also addressed the implications of U.S. political shifts for European foreign policy, energy security, and multilateralism.