The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has forced the EU to radically revise its strategy - both internally and in the global arena. Similarly, Germany’s priorities for its EU Council Presidency have also changed. Although the main priority is overcoming the consequences of the crisis together with economic and social recovery, close international cooperation with Europe’s partners remains high on the agenda.Germany is conscious of the EU’s responsibility to help shape the global order in the spirit of stronger international coordination and cooperation, as well as greater sustainability and solidarity. Part of this overall objective will be an attempt to increase comprehensive and active cooperation between the EU and the United States, including broad-based political dialogue and a positive transatlantic trade agenda. Due to its politically steered system, economically modernised China has developed into an antipole to the United States. The EU must decide how to position itself in this situation.