In her keynote address, Gönner reflected on the changes in transatlantic relations over the past year. Her central message was clear: Germany, Europe, and the United States can jointly shape the economic order of the future—one that is open, competitive, and cooperative. She noted that while the United States leads globally in rapidly scaling new business models, Germany excels in industrial strength, engineering, and process quality. “These strengths complement one another. A positive transatlantic agenda means better integrating these complementary capabilities and joining forces.”
Gönner explained that it is the BDI’s firm conviction that the future lies in diversified, reliable, and collaboratively organized supply chains. “Germany and the United States are natural partners in this approach,” she emphasized. Expanding transatlantic value chains is therefore not merely a political project, but an economic reality driven by mutual self-interest.
The reception was a joint event organized with the Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT) in Washington, DC. More than 100 participants from politics, business, and think tanks gathered at the KAS Office USA to discuss transatlantic challenges and priorities for the year ahead.
