By Bruce Stokes, Director of Global Economic Attitudes, Pew Research Center

Special to EU Observer

May 8 was VE Day, the 70th anniversary of the end of the bloodiest war in modern European history. The anniversary marked a moment to assess the role that tragic conflict plays in public consciousness. But it was also an opportunity to look forward to assess how the public sees the challenges that lie ahead.

Germany and the United States, adversaries in WWII, allies during and after the Cold War, are now the two pillars of the transatlantic alliance.

Their views of each other are complicated by recent disagreements over the Iraq war and US National Security Agency spying, and how they both see a re-assertive Russia. Nevertheless, their attitudes will shape the future of Europe’s ties with America for years to come.

Read more at EU Observer