My first trip abroad after the Bundestag elections will take me to the United States of America – as an expression of our special and close ties. Many people I have spoken with in recent months in the United States and Canada have asked me what I believe lies ahead for transatlantic relations following our federal elections. I will also use the many talks I have scheduled to elaborate on the domestic policy situation in Germany, and to assure our friends in the US that we want to keep building trust and shaping the future together.

Looking at the early 21st century, the West’s community of values and interests is facing special challenges. I firmly believe that the digital transformation, climate policy and how we engage with China as it becomes more and more aware of its power every day all require us to develop coordinated policies through a close transatlantic alliance that is built on trust. This is the only way that we can maintain and expand our freedom, security and prosperity.

At high-level meetings with political and business leaders in Washington, New York and Los Angeles, I will discuss the most pressing issues of the day. There will be a special focus on trade issues. Here, both sides must take a clear step forward together. The newly created Trade and Technology Council (TTC) could become a catalyst for transatlantic trade. A more rapid dissemination of innovations and a marked increase in the volume of trade between the EU and the United States should be our shared objectives. All of my talks will centre on one key question: what must we do to both modernise the transatlantic alliance and strengthen it for the future?