The University of Maryland School of Public Policy and the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals – Transatlantic Partnership Program
In Collaboration with KU Leuven
June 14 – June 25, 2027
Since the end of World War II, the transatlantic partnership between the United States and Europe has been a cornerstone of the global order. Together, both sides have promoted open markets, democratic governance, human rights and coordinated responses to shared challenges — from rebuilding after the war to confronting terrorism and climate change.
This alliance shaped the institutional pillars of the liberal international order: the GATT/WTO for trade, the IMF and World Bank for finance, the OECD for development and NATO for security. In many ways, the post-war global architecture was built in the image of this partnership.
Today, the transatlantic relationship is being realigned. Shifts in U.S. policy, from trade and industrial strategy to security and climate commitments, signal a departure from decades of consensus. Some changes may be cyclical, but others reflect deeper structural transformations in politics, economics and voter preferences on both sides of the Atlantic.
Understanding this evolving relationship and its implications for trade, governance and global stability is critical to navigating the “new normal” of EU–U.S. relations. The UMD School of Public Policy and Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals have created an intensive, two-week international experience that allows program participants with a unique opportunity to examine these developments from both European and U.S. perspectives through direct active engagement with leading policymakers, academics and practitioners. With one week in Europe and one week in the United States, the program provides academic excellence with engaging experimental learning and networking in across three major policy centers in Barcelona, Brussels and Washington, DC.
This program is designed for anyone seeking an advanced understanding of transatlantic affairs and international public policy. Featured themes throughout the program include:
- Trade, Investment and Competitiveness
- Economic Security and Strategic Competition
- International Security and Defense
- Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
- Climate, Energy and Sustainability
- Innovation Entrepreneurship
- Cities with Multilevel Governance
Lectures, meetings, site visits are designed to maximize engagement with contemporary policymakers in each critical area, while providing participants with a sound grasp of these issues from multiple perspectives.
The program fee is $5,250US which includes transportation to and from all program events and meetings, all required program materials, lunches and refreshments during program meetings, and program networking and social events. The fee does not include flights to Washington or Barcelona, accommodations, meals outside of the program and personal activities.
Questions?
For more information regarding the Transatlantic Partnership Program, email Michael Goodhart, call 301-405-9715 or fill out the interest form below by February 1, 2027.