With the US under President Trump challenging the core principles of the rules-based international order, the EU finds itself in an age of empires. The rise of imperialist politics is forcing the EU to defend liberal democracy and economic stability, and to rely increasingly on likeminded partners in the absence of the US.
Rising far-right populism, democratic backsliding, and institutional gridlock are weakening the EU. To maintain internal cohesion and external influence, the EU must reform its decision-making, strengthen democratic legitimacy, and accelerate enlargement through differentiated integration.
The EU must redefine its relationships, particularly with the Global South. By stepping up as a development partner and demonstrating responsiveness and consistency rather than relying on purely transactional diplomacy, the EU can solidify its added value on the global stage.
Facing economic rivalry with the US, the EU must enhance its competitiveness, deepen the single market, and strengthen the euro. Joint borrowing and fiscal integration could bolster the EU’s resilience and economic statecraft, ensuring that it can “stand up for itself”.
