Mission Statement

  • We, the Young Transatlantic Initiative, are committed to strengthening the cooperation between the United States of America, the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany.
  • The strongest bond between our nations is the commitment to promote democracy and freedom. These fundamental principles form the foundation for our work towards a better European-American and German-American partnership.
  • Our organization is rooted in civil society: young people fostering European-American and German-American understanding in their generation. We are non-governmental and non-partisan. Our responsibility is our passion for the transatlantic partnership.
  • The dedication for transatlantic partnership shall not be confused with blind devotion. Rather, a true partnership allows a critical dialogue about differences and challenges.
  • Both sides of the Atlantic share a codex of values. The  Young Transatlantic Initiative is based upon these values, above all democracy, freedom and individual rights.
  • A key aspect of our work is the relationship between the European Union and the United States. Only a strong, united Europe with a common foreign and security policy can work with the United States as an equal partner on the international stage.
  • We are deeply concerned by the growing gap between our nations. The increasing emotional distance between the people on both sides of the Atlantic weakens the transatlantic alliance.
  • We are convinced that our nations must work together closely to face the challenges of the 21st century effectively. Not despite, but precisely because of new powers rising on the global stage, the western community must find common ground.
  • We have made it our purpose to remind our generation of the historical connection between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany. And by emphasizing that connection, promote the will to work closely together politically and socially in the future. In doing so, there is no one-sided dependency. Both nations are strengthened by the other.
  • With study trips, public events, panel debates and campaigns, we contribute to international understanding among the nations. We define the transatlantic partnership as mutual cooperation and dialogue between the citizens. The civil societies in Europe and America are the heart of the alliance.
  • Like every organization, we have a board of directors. However, all members work together to achieve the initiative’s goals. Good ideas are not a matter of hierarchy. Among our members are students from a great variety of fields – among others, cultural studies, international affairs, astrophysics and political science. Therefore, we cover the full range of the transatlantic partnership.
  • The Young Transatlantic Initiative is open to everyone who shares these fundamental values and this mission.