Transatlantic Alliance in Question.

• Author: Engelen, K.
• Position: LETTER FROM BERLIN

During the postwar decades, the American Council on Germany and the Atlantik-Brucke have been platforms for strengthening transatlantic relations.

One of their historic achievements was to mobilize American assistance in the difficult process of German unification against considerable obstacles. "The transatlantic partnership is indispensable in tackling today's common challenges, but we must focus on issues that impact citizens in both of our countries," says Council Chairman John B. Emerson, who served as U.S. ambassador to Germany.

At a recent conference in Washington, the American Council and the Atlantik-Brucke released a survey conducted by YouGov in the United States and Germany on the current challenges in the transatlantic relationship. Key findings include:

* The majority of Germans and Americans believe in common Western values. However, about half of the respondents are convinced that the foundation of common values is eroding.

* One in five Germans does not think that Europe and the United States share the same values.

* Germans and Americans agree that key common challenges are the fight against terrorism and climate change

* One-third of Americans are optimistic that a free trade agreement between Europe and the United States will be concluded under the Trump administration. Only 14 percent of Germans share this view.

* Both Germans and Americans have a declining trust in democratic institutions. Only one in five is confident in these institutions, while one in three has little or no confidence.

The findings of the survey underline that official relations between Washington and Berlin have cooled since the election of President Trump. Chancellor...