Four years ago, the joint programme of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), referred to the United States as Germany's most crucial ally outside of Europe. The 2013 programme also emphasized the significance of the friendship with Washington as a cornerstone of Germany's international relations and discussed enhancing transatlantic economic ties by eliminating trade barriers. However, the latest election programme, titled "For a Germany in which we live well and happily," presented by Merkel and CSU leader Horst Seehofer on Monday before the September 24 election, does not include the terms "friend" or "friendship." Instead, the United States is referred to as Germany's most vital partner outside of Europe. CDU officials were not immediately available to provide a comment on the change in wording. The change in wording highlights the deteriorating relationship between Berlin and Washington since Donald Trump became US President in January. Trump criticized Merkel during his campaign, accusing her of damaging Germany with migration policies he deemed as "insane". He has also criticized Germany's trade surplus with the US, claimed that NATO partners owe "massive amounts of money", and caused concern among western allies by withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement. A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre revealed that only 35% of Germans have a positive view of the US, down from 57% at the end of Obama's presidency. Merkel is scheduled to host Trump and other leaders at a G20 summit in Hamburg later this week. The 2017 election program for the CDU/CSU references historical US support for Germany post-World War Two and leading up to German reunification, in contrast to the 2013 program which focused on strengthening economic ties. Chancellor Merkel reiterated a statement she made in Munich in late May following a challenging G7 summit, where President Trump resisted pressure to remain in the Paris agreement. The program emphasizes that Europe can no longer fully rely on others and must take more control of its own fate. While reaffirming Germany's commitment to NATO, the program also stresses the need for the EU to be able to defend itself independently for long-term survival. It also includes a unique section called "Germany and France as the Driving Force of Europe" that promises to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The document expresses readiness to work with the new French government to enhance the euro zone gradually, such as by establishing its own monetary fund. However, it specifically rejects the idea of sharing debt in Europe and emphasizes that "solidarity" will only be achievable if EU countries adhere to the rules outlined in the bloc's Growth and Stability Pact.