Aspen Institute Germany

It's happening!

The German-American Trade & Tech Conference 2026 kicks off in just a few minutes at the Baden-Württemberg State Representation in Berlin.

Under the title "Navigating Strategic Rivalries: Transatlantic Trade and Tech in an Age of Competition," this year's conference brings together senior voices from government, industry, and civil society on both sides of the Atlantic for two days of substantive dialogue on the issues that matter most.

The agenda covers the full breadth of today's transatlantic challenges: the impact of tariffs and industrial subsidies, export controls and investment screening, EU-U.S. trade policy coordination, digital sovereignty, AI governance, cybersecurity, defense, and the future of the rules-based trading order. Formats range from keynote addresses and panel discussions to interactive breakout sessions designed to go beyond the headlines and into the details.

This is exactly the conversation the transatlantic relationship needs right now – and we are proud to be hosting it.

Follow along here for live updates, insights, and highlights throughout the day. Can't be in Berlin?

More Info: https://www.aspeninstitute.de/gattd-2/gattd2025-2026/
Livestream: https://lvbw-berlin.de/gattc-2026/

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a turning point for the European security order. More than three years into the war, the conflict reflects not only immediate geopolitical calculations but also deeper patterns of Russian revisionism and imperial ambition. At the same time, the war is transforming Russia itself – consolidating political power, strengthening the role of the security apparatus, and reshaping the country’s economy and society under conditions of sanctions, mobilization, and growing isolation.

Understanding these internal developments is crucial for assessing Russia’s future course and the implications for Europe’s security.

At this year’s Summer Reception of the Aspen Institute Germany, we will explore three key questions:
· What strategic motivations are driving the Kremlin’s current course?
· How is the war reshaping Russia’s political system, economy, and society?
· What do these developments mean for Europe’s security and its future relationship with Russia?

Joining the discussion are Agnieszka Brugger, Member of the German Bundestag, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen; Roman Goncharenko, Correspondent, Deutsche Welle; Dr. Margarete Klein, Head of Research Division, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP); and Dr. Tobias Lindner Lindner, Senior Executive Advisor, PWC Germany and Former Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office.

Following the discussion, guests are invited to continue the exchange at a summer reception in the courtyard of the Mendelssohn-Remise.

Tomorrow, the conversation begins!

The German-American Trade and Tech Conference 2026 is finally here!

We're bringing together leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to talk trade, tech, and the transatlantic relationship - right here at the Landesvertretung Baden-Württemberg in Berlin.

Who are you most looking forward to hearing from tomorrow? Do you have a specific panel you are excited for? Drop it in the comments!

See you there!

For more information and the agenda click here: https://www.aspeninstitute.de/conferences/gattc2026/

4 days to go!

The German-American Trade and Tech Conference 2026 is almost here and we couldn't be more excited to bring together some of the sharpest minds in transatlantic policy, business, and technology.

This year's conference, titled "Navigating Strategic Rivalries: Transatlantic Trade and Tech in an Age of Competition", takes place on June 9–10, 2026 at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the Federal Government in Berlin.

Over two days, 500+ participants from politics, business, civil society, and academia will come together to tackle the defining questions of our time: How do the U.S. and Europe manage growing strategic competition while preserving the foundations of their partnership? What does the new era of trade and tech rivalry mean for regulation, investment, and innovation on both sides of the Atlantic?

We look forward to welcoming you – in person or virtually – for two days of inspiring conversations, meaningful exchanges, and bold ideas on the future of the transatlantic relationship.

See you in Berlin!

Full agenda & further information: https://www.aspeninstitute.de/conferences/gattc2026/

On our last day, the U.S.-German delegation had the chance to explore the State Farmers Market. The State Farmers Market sits on 75 acres and features fresh, locally grown produce, plants, and specialty items from North Carolina farmers.

The group was joined by North Carolina Poultry Federation Executive Director Summer Lanier; and Jan Archer, President of the NC Pork Council. The delegation had the chance to speak with these NC leaders on how their organizations promoted swine and poultry production in the state, and how they handled animal welfare issues.

After exploring the market, the group had a tasty lunch at the State Farmers Market Restaurant, featuring locally grown products.

Today, the delegation had the chance to visit the NC Center for Poultry Education which is managed by U.S.-German participant Crystal Nichols and part of the Perdue Farms network!

The NC Center for Poultry Education is located on an eight-house commercial broiler farm, which integrates advanced technologies, including digital monitoring systems, to optimize bird health, welfare, and efficiency. This enables the Center to act as a “living classroom,” enabling students, farmers, and other agricultural professionals to gain first-hand experience of modern poultry production methods. During the tour, the delegation learned about how the Center educates the public, shrinking the divide between consumers and farmers. What was particularly impressive on site was how accessible the production systems are to the public.

University of Illinois College of ACES European Union Center at the University of Illinois .archer.761289 University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences
haley Simmons Foods Gardner Family Farm NC State Extension
Carthage Veterinary Service, LTD .schulzeprobsting Ceva Santé Animale -
der-Deutschen-Geflügelwirtschaft R&B Rhyne Farms