Effectiveness of transatlantic cooperation widely criticised: seen as working best on trade and least well on poverty eradication

Business and trade is the only area where there is a predominantly positive view of the effectiveness of transatlantic cooperation. While the benefits of cooperation in trade may be readily visible to most, substantial numbers do not respond in many areas, suggesting that many find it hard to assess how effectively Europe and North America are collaborating.

Fighting terrorism: French most positive about transatlantic cooperation, Turks highly critical

It is noteworthy that the apparent consensus between North American and European assessment of the effectiveness of counter-terrorism cooperation masks some major differences between countries. Despite its otherwise downbeat assessment of the transatlantic relationship, France is most positive, and it is Turkey, the country hit most frequently by terrorist attacks over recent years, which is most critical of the way Europe and North America are working together on the issue.

Managing migration: a generally negative assessment, stark US/Canada differences and low scores in terrorism-hit countries

Across the board, assessments of transatlantic cooperation on managing migration are more negative. Despite the US's heritage as a country where migrants have been welcomed, migration is now clearly a problematic issue, with only 13% feeling that Europe and America are working effectively together to tackle it. In contrast, Canada, its northern neighbour, is much more upbeat.

Combating Climate Change: another focus for criticism of the transatlantic relationship, particularly in Spain and Germany

The environment is the global issue of concern most commonly cited by respondents, and it is an area where majorities are critical of transatlantic cooperation in most countries. It is the countries where green movements are well-established (Germany) or who are among the first to feel the effects of climate change (Spain) that are among the most critical. Even in the US - often criticised for its alleged lack of concern about the issue - there is a strong consensus that transatlantic cooperation is not working.

Assesment of Each Countries Influence in the World

Mostly positive assessment of EU influence - except in Turkey

While assessments of the EU's overall role in the world are more positive in Europe than in the US, majorities in all countries except Turkey feel it plays a positive role overall. With Turkey again the most negative country in the sample, are we seeing the effect of a backlash here against the protracted negotiations here over Turkey's proposed entry to the EU? In contrast, a new EU member, Poland, is, along with Spain, one of the two countries most positive about the EU's role.

Opinions divided about US influence - ambivalence apparent even in America itself

Perceptions of overall US influence are evenly split but vary greatly by country. Americans are most positive about their own country's influence, but it is still striking that nearly one in three has a negative overall opinion of US influence - perhaps a legacy of the bitter political divisions of recent years. An sceptical consensus on America's influence is very apparent in Germany, but the contrast with attitudes in its eastern neighbour Poland is still stark.

Americans much more positive about EU role in tackling key issues than vice versa

Americans are much more upbeat about European efforts to tackle key issues than Europeans are about the efforts the US is making. Only on unemployment are the positions reversed. It is notable that on two of the issues uppermost in American minds - the environment and terrorism - majorities feel the EU is making a positive contribution. The fact  that Americans are ready to see value in the EU's approach to these issues arguably is cause for hope that the two continents will ultimately be able to collaborate effectively.