Civil society must be at the heart of a renewed transatlantic solidarity

The author contends that the Biden-Harris administration provides an opportunity to reboot transatlantic relations by integrating diverse civil society movements—such as those focused on climate, racial justice, and gender equality—into the political discourse. The text argues that the previous focus on a common security policy is obsolete and should be replaced by a narrative of democratic resilience and inclusivity. It highlights the role of grassroots networks and regional initiatives, such as the 'We Are Still In' and 'Under2Coalition' alliances, as models for strengthening solidarity. The document concludes that achieving a 'build back better' transatlantic relationship requires structural and financial support for civil society and the implementation of joint regulations on hate speech and disinformation.

• The traditional framework of transatlantic relations, which was dominated by a common security policy, is no longer applicable to the changing, more diverse, and globally oriented nature of societies in Europe and the US.
• Civil society movements—specifically the climate generation, Women's movements, and Black Lives Matter—are identified as central actors capable of building a new transatlantic narrative based on justice and participation.
• Internal extreme polarisation is presented as a threat to democratic public opinion that is as dangerous as the threats posed by external autocratic regimes.
• The document advocates for increased diversity within political institutions, suggesting that the diversity seen in the Biden-Harris cabinet should be mirrored in the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Bundestag.
• Regional and local civil society initiatives are highlighted as key to ecological transformation, citing the Just Transition movement in US coal regions and the Concerned Citizens of St. John Parish in Louisiana.
• Existing transnational alliances, such as the 'We Are Still In' initiative (comprising 10 states and 293 cities) and the 'Under2Coalition' (founded by California and Baden-Württemberg), serve as valuable models for resisting isolationism and pursuing climate goals.
• To strengthen the transatlantic relationship, the author recommends concrete political measures, including a joint EU-US regulation on internet hate speech and disinformation, and increased financial and structural support for civil society.

APA

Locher, E. U. N. (2021). Civil society must be at the heart of a renewed transatlantic solidarity. Green European Journal. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/civil-society-must-be-at-the-heart-of-a-renewed-transatlantic-solidarity/

Chicago

Locher, Ellen Ueberschär, Nina. Civil society must be at the heart of a renewed transatlantic solidarity. Green European Journal, 2021. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/civil-society-must-be-at-the-heart-of-a-renewed-transatlantic-solidarity/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Locher |first1=Ellen Ueberschär, Nina |title=Civil society must be at the heart of a renewed transatlantic solidarity |publisher=Green European Journal |date=23 March 2021 |url=https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/civil-society-must-be-at-the-heart-of-a-renewed-transatlantic-solidarity/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{locher2021civil, author = {Locher, Ellen Ueberschär, Nina}, title = {{Civil society must be at the heart of a renewed transatlantic solidarity}}, publisher = {Green European Journal}, year = {2021}, month = mar, url = {https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/civil-society-must-be-at-the-heart-of-a-renewed-transatlantic-solidarity/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }