Every year, The Transatlantic Economy provides a clear and comprehensive picture of the economic ties that bind the United States and Europe. The 2025 edition of this flagship study—independently conducted by Daniel S. Hamilton and Joseph P. Quinlan and supported by AmChamEU—is once again a landmark publication, offering strategic insights for policymakers, business leaders and communication professionals alike.

At a time when global economic fragmentation is intensifying and geopolitical tensions are reshaping alliances, The Transatlantic Economy 2025 reminds us of a fundamental fact: no two regions are as profoundly interconnected as Europe and the United States. This relationship is not simply resilient—it is foundational.

More than trade: a portrait of Interdependence

The study goes far beyond traditional trade figures. It paints a broader picture of mutual reliance across key sectors such as:

• Investment: With over €7.5 trillion in annual commercial sales through foreign affiliates, transatlantic investment is far more significant than exports or imports. The EU and US remain each other’s primary sources and destinations for foreign direct investment.
• Employment: The economic ties support more than 16 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic—making the relationship a cornerstone of shared prosperity.
• Innovation: European and American firms invest heavily in joint R&D activities, and cross-border research collaborations drive forward technology, health, and energy transitions.
• Digital economy: The transatlantic corridor remains the world’s most important route for digital services, data flows and tech-based trade.
• Energy security: The study also reflects the growing strategic cooperation in energy, particularly since the war in Ukraine, with the US now a leading supplier of LNG to Europe and both sides investing jointly in clean tech.

A shared foundation in a fragmented world

While other regions—Asia, the BRICS, or the Global South—are gaining visibility, the transatlantic economy continues to form the core of the global economic order. Together, Europe and the US account for:

• One-third of global GDP (in purchasing power terms)
• Over 50% of global personal consumption
• Around 60% of global FDI stock

Yet, these figures don’t tell the whole story. What makes this relationship unique is its scale and the depth of integration. As the authors point out, much of the transatlantic economy happens within firms, across value chains, through affiliates, and in shared regulatory environments.

In other words, the EU and the US are not merely trading partners—they build, invest, and innovate together.

A model of relevance and clarity

This is precisely what makes The Transatlantic Economy 2025 so valuable. It doesn’t simply catalogue economic data—it reveals patterns, challenges, and opportunities for action. It is both a mirror of current realities and a guide for future decisions.

The study’s editorial quality ensures that its messages are targeted and accessible to a broad professional audience. The authors’ analytical clarity turns complex dynamics into strategic insights. The result is an essential reference that resonates far beyond the EU-Brussels policy sphere.

Our contribution: a co-design process

At #inextremis, we enjoyed contributing to this new edition by handling the publication’s layout. In close co-design with the AmChamEU communications team, we ensured that the wealth of content was presented in a structured, legible, and visually coherent format—enhancing the reading experience without ever distracting from the study’s strategic depth.

We approached the design process with one clear objective: to support the study’s impact by making it informative and inviting. Every layout decision was made to serve the reader’s attention and understanding, from the table of contents to data visualisation, chapter openers, and annexes.

This collaboration, built over several editions, reflects our philosophy: meaningful communication is never a solo effort. It results from alignment between authors, editors, and designers—each contributing their expertise to a shared purpose.

A best practice in European communication

The Transatlantic Economy remains a best-practice model for those working in international policy, economic strategy, or institutional communication. Its relevance, reach, and clarity make it a benchmark many aspire to but few equal.

We’re honoured to have participated in this year’s edition and to support AmChamEU’s work in amplifying the voice of transatlantic business.

Because in a world of noise, clarity is power—and design helps deliver it.