Executive summary 5

Introduction 7

Nine recommendations for European policymakers 9

1. Treat and communicate shared societal values as a strategic asset 9

2. Reframe EU–US relations around citizen legitimacy, not elite discourse 9

3. Use values analysis as an early warning system for political risk 9

4. Frame European strategic autonomy as reinforcement, not detachment 10

5. Balance security and openness to better resonate with the majority of citizens in the US and Europe 10

6. Defend the European social market model as a political asset 10

7. Anchor EU–US cooperation in trusted institutions and domains 10

8. Avoid coercive framings in trade and security policy 10

9. Make social cushioning integral to strategic transitions 11

1. Towards a new phase in the transatlantic partnership 11

1.1 From historical alliance to a more complex partnership 11

1.2 Diversity, values and complementarity across the Atlantic 11

1.3 Recalibration in a changed strategic environment 13

2. Theoretical foundations: societal models and values across the Atlantic 13

2.1 The Rhineland–Continental and Anglo-American models 13

2.2 Interplay between models and values 14

2.3 Eastern Europe as a potential bridging zone between Rhineland–Continental and Anglo‑American orientations 15

2.4 From societal models to measurable values in EU–US relations 16

3. Mapping and comparing EU and US citizens on the control–freedom dimension 17

3.1 Purpose and scope 17

3.2 The control–freedom dimension 17

3.3 Control–freedom in the US and the EU 18

3.4 Control–freedom by demographics 23

3.4.1 Younger generations embrace freedom more 23

3.4.2 A higher degree of education fosters openness 23

3.4.3 Cities as catalysts for progressive values 23

3.5 Control–freedom over time 23

4. Understanding the convergences and divergences shaping transatlantic relations 24

4.1 Shared values: enduring relationships, national pride, optimism, ethics 24

4.1.1 Enduring relationships and cultural identity 24

4.1.2 Balancing progress with tradition 25

4.1.3 Adaptability, fairness and communal responsibility 25

4.1.4 Finding common ground across the Atlantic 25

4.2 The US leans more towards tradition, spirituality, individualism and family influence 26

4.3 Europe leans more towards social equity, environmental sustainability and peaceful coexistence 26

4.4 Regional nuances in Europe 28

4.5 Zooming in on relevant values for transatlantic policies 28

4.5.1 Attitudes towards social change 28

4.5.2 Gender equality 29

4.5.3 Political involvement 29

4.6 Policy implications: from shared values to strategic leverage 29

5. From citizen values and priorities to a transatlantic diplomacy agenda 30

5.1 Country-related issues of concern for citizens: mapping the groundwork for transatlantic policy 30

5.1.1 Shared top concerns: healthcare, immigration, safety, climate and education 30

5.1.2 Nuances in regional priorities 32

5.1.3 Policy implications 33

5.1.4 Preferred development pathways for the next five years 33

5.2 Shared and differing concerns on global and ecological challenges 36

5.2.1 Mapping global concerns on both sides of the Atlantic 36

5.2.2 Implications for transatlantic cooperation 38

5.3 Trust, security and economic collaboration 39

5.3.1 Broad consensus on science and education 41

5.3.2 Ordinary people and democracy: a mixed picture 41

5.3.3 Transatlantic institutions: the EU, NATO and the UN 41

5.3.4 Divergence on government, parliament, legal systems and the media 42

5.3.5 Implications for the EU–US partnership 42

5.4 Security and defence 43

5.4.1 Perceptions of security and threats 43

5.4.2 Democratic resilience and institutional trust 43

5.4.3 Implications for the EU–US security partnership 44

5.5 The economy and jobs 44

5.5.1 Growth expectations and economic disquiet 44

5.5.2 Middle-class and social mobility concerns 45

5.5.3 Implications for a joint EU–US economic agenda 46

5.6 Technology and innovation 46

5.6.1 Public attitudes: promise and peril 46

5.6.2 AI, digital security and regulation 47

5.6.3 Policy implications 48

6. Conclusions: navigating complexity through finding common ground 49

6.1 A mosaic of values and concerns 49

6.2 Diversity and the limits of regional models 50

6.3 Security, resilience and the changing transatlantic agenda 50

6.4 Economic futures and middle-class opportunity 51

6.5 Technology, innovation and the challenge of governance 51

6.6 Policy framing: towards a values-based partnership 52

6.7 Putting it all together 52

7. Appendices 53

7.1 About the data behind this research 53

7.2 Values indicators explanation 53

Bibliography 55