Round Table Discussion: Democrats in Congress – What the Midterms Mean for Europe and Innovation

The 2026 midterms arrive at a defining moment for U.S. democratic resilience. By anchoring their platform on affordability The 2026 midterms arrive at a defining moment for U.S. democratic resilience. By anchoring their platform on affordability and economic security, the Democratic Party is seeking to reclaim a congressional majority and serve as a decisive legislative counterweight to the Trump administration. While European leaders look to the Party’s resurgence to stabilise fractured transatlantic ties, the debate hinges on whether a shift in Congress could reverse the current drift toward transactionalism, or if this will largely be indifferent to U.S. foreign and trade policy.

To unpack these dynamics, Das Progressive Zentrum cordially invites you to a round table discussion with:

• Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, Executive Vice President at Bertelsmann Foundation and member of the Scientific Council at Das Progressive Zentrum
• Lindsay Mark Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Progressive Policy Institute, Washington DC 
• Henning Meyer, Deputy Chair, Commission for Fundamental Values of SPD and Chief Executive Officer, Social Europe

The debate will be moderated by Maria Skóra, Policy Fellow at Das Progressive Zentrum.

In the discussion we will cover the following key questions: How will the Democrats’ focus on affordability and economic security shape their campaign and legislative agenda? To what extent would a new majority recalibrate transatlantic trade, industrial policy, and security cooperation? And what impact would a shift in legislative control have on the U.S. policy agenda in technology and innovation, and how might this alter the European Union’s strategic positioning and room for maneuver?

The debate will be moderated by Vera Gohla, Policy Advisor for Economic and Structural Policy, Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation.

If you are interested in this invite-only-event, please contact us via events@progressives-zentrum.org

Where & when?

Contact

Florian Ranft

Member of the Management Board and Head of Green New Deal