Issues
GMF works on a host of issues through a transatlantic lens, often with a global scope. Through programming, convening, research and analysis, grantmaking, and networking, GMF touches on the following transatlantic and global issues.
GMF Issues
In North America and Europe, three-quarters of the population live in metropolitan regions, and this percentage is projected to continue growing. Over the next century, the major economic, environmental, and social transformations shaping nations on both sides of the Atlantic will necessarily play out in urban contexts. Because cities in North America and Europe face similar post-industrial policy challenges, they have the opportunity to learn from each other and to implement creative solutions to these challenges.
Climate change is a diffuse global challenge that requires coordinated action among nations. In the wake of the Copenhagen climate talks, coordinated leadership and strong domestic policies from the United States and Europe are critical to solidifying a future climate agreement that includes all major emitters.
Europe and North America have a vested interest in strengthening young European democracies to ensure a peaceful and prosperous European continent. GMF has worked for over 20 years to help strengthen the democracies of Central and Eastern Europe. While this region had made tremendous progress, GMF remains active and engaged throughout Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region through a variety of programs supporting the continued process of democratic consolidation and the integration of the region into Euroatlantic structures.
The transatlantic economy remains at the forefront of trade liberalization and globalization debates because of its size and domination of the global economy. The United States and European Union together comprise 54 percent of global GDP while only having 11 percent of the total world population. The transatlantic investment relationship is currently valued at more than $3 trillion and employs up to 14 million workers on both sides of the Atlantic.
GMF promotes dialogue on important global issues impacting Europe and North America. In a globalized world, the term “transatlantic” does not refer to a closed loop between North America and Europe, but rather to the widening community of countries and organizations that interact with the transatlantic region, their common areas of interest, and their shared values.
With approximately 200 million people currently living outside of their country of birth, international migration has become one of the biggest and most debated issues on the international policy agenda. The United States, Canada, and Western European countries have long been among the destinations with the greatest appeal for new immigrants, as their large labor markets and high standard of living have been attractive for workers and families alike. These countries’ common experiences with immigration and their differing management and policy approaches provide a valuable opportunity for comparison and exchange.
Securing and defending one’s borders and foreign and economic interests the key challenges facing the transatlantic allies. GMF’s promotes cooperation between North America and Europe on a wide range of concerns, but no country and no continent are immune to the world’s new dangers. Programming to address global concerns related to security and defense are an important component to reinforcing the transatlantic relationship overall.
As was the case during the Marshall Plan era, global poverty remains a challenge to the international community. In a world where alienation and despair can cross borders as easily as people, goods, and capital, it is in the best interests of the transatlantic community to pursue policies that will spread the benefits of global economic growth far and wide.
