A look back at the Young Atlantiks Program 2026
Young Atlantiks 2026
How can Canada and Germany deepen their partnership and offer each other stability amid rapid and far-reaching change in the global community? That was the central question for participants in the Young Atlantiks Program 2026. The program, created and organized by Atlantik Brücke Canada and Atlantik Brücke e.V. has brought five Canadians and five Germans together to exchange knowledge and ideas on transatlantic cooperation since 2019.
By Moritz Altmann-Meissner & Lisa Xie
From May 17 to 21, these young men and women from diverse backgrounds met in Berlin to discuss various aspects of the transatlantic partnership and attend the 39th German-Canadian Conference. Drawing on expertise in business, academia, journalism, the armed forces, and public policy, they engaged with a range of speakers on topics currently under discussion at the highest levels of government, including energy and critical minerals, security, trade, and artificial intelligence. All sessions were held under Chatham House rules. The program also included an exchange with the Canadian ambassador to Germany, Vera Alexander, who had taken up her post only months earlier and challenged the participants to offer advice on strengthening ties between Canada and Germany. In a session with members of the Bundestag’s Committee for German-Canadian Relations, the Young Atlantiks program was met with strong interest, praise, and discussion of how it might expand in the future.
The exchange was shaped by two major developments in transatlantic relations. On the one hand, the second Trump administration in the United States imposed tariffs on some of its closest trading partners, including Canada and Germany, weakening the economic recovery of many countries. U.S. military support for Ukraine was cancelled, and the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has not only strained NATO but also sharply driven up oil prices. On the other hand, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney drew attention at Davos in January 2026 when he called on “middle powers” to work more closely together. This middle powers narrative was also central to the German-Canadian Conference, where many panelists cited Carney and discussed the practical implications of his call. Following the sessions and their participation in the debates, the Young Atlantiks identified three central takeaways.
The new Cold War – Defending the Arctic is vital for securing sovereignty
The Arctic is a frontline in today’s multipolar world, a point agreed on by nearly all speakers at the German-Canadian Conference. Since the first Russian activities and claims in the Arctic in 2001, the region has become a hotspot for tensions and disputes. Russia and China have increased their military presence, sending more icebreakers, submarines, and aircraft into the Arctic. Many speakers stressed that control over the Arctic affects the sovereignty of both Canada, as Russia and China send vessels into Canadian waters, and Germany, which depends on open trade routes and stable access to resources. According to German experts, Germany could contribute – amongst other things – vessels from the federal police, the Bundespolizei, to stop and search Chinese fishing fleets in Canadian waters, an issue falling under police rather than military jurisdiction. The addition of Finland and Sweden to NATO was seen by many participants as a key factor in strengthening the alliance’s position in the north. At the same time, some criticized the fact that major gaps still remain in Western Arctic capabilities.
Between Reactors and Renewables – Differences in Energy Policy
Canada and Germany approach the energy transition from different starting points, but their differences can be complementary rather than contradictory. Germany’s experience shows the political and industrial challenges of moving away from nuclear power, while Canada’s energy mix gives it more room to balance renewables, hydro, and other low-carbon sources. A stronger partnership could focus on sharing technologies, regulatory lessons, and grid solutions that improve reliability, affordability, and resilience during the transition.
Critical mineral as an industrial strategic partnership
Critical minerals are becoming a defining area of industrial cooperation between Canada and Germany because both countries need secure, transparent, and diversified supply chains. Canada can offer resources, responsible extraction, and upstream processing potential, while Germany brings advanced manufacturing capacity and strong demand from sectors such as automotive, batteries, and clean technology. A strategic partnership in this area would help both countries reduce dependence on unstable suppliers and build more resilient industrial systems.