Geopolitics & Geoeconomics :
The EU’s strategic approach to geopolitics and geoeconomics is one of the most decisive factors for its future role in the world and its claim for global leadership. The definition of this role challenges the EU in several ways: the region must navigate rising tensions and conflicts, and manage deteriorating relations with major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia. It faces increasing isolation in the security sector, while economic and energy dependencies pose obstacles to strategic autonomy. Economic stagnation and concerns regarding Europe’s long-term global competitiveness and the future of its key industries are deepening internal divisions among EU member states. Economic resilience is tested by inflation, energy and cyber security concerns, and competition in key industries such as technology and green energy. However, Europe's leadership in sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and economic power presents opportunities to advance its influence on shaping global norms.
News
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Europe is the only defender of the liberal world order
Ralf Dahrendorf, one of the central figures of modern-day liberalism, saw politics as a framework for imperfect people to live in freedom. Just a few months into the second Trump presidency, this notion may seem more challenging—but also more essential—than ever. The American role as leader of the free world has in many ways expired. Europe must urgently take on and secure new responsibility if it wants to fight for the liberal world order. To answer how, the American foreign policy expert and author Dr Robert Kagan was invited to present this year’s Dahrendorf Lecture at St. Antony’s College in Oxford.
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How Brexit has caused a renaissance of European Liberalism
How can two separated partners find to one another after a break-up? How much time do they need? Where do they start? And might external factors accelerate the process of regaining trust? When looking at EU-UK relations in the post-Brexit era, there seemed to be only little prospect for actual reconciliation. Then, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the election of President Trump in the United States, and the related geopolitical shifts followed and pushed the EU and the UK closer together again. The results of the recent EU-UK summit in London offers a glimpse of hope. But more than five years after the UK left the bloc, is a glimpse of hope enough for Europe? How does this development affect for Germany? And most of all: Can it be seen as a reset of European liberalism?
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An opportunity for the EU!
Trump's re-election is forcing the EU to rethink its strategy. It is an opportunity to strengthen unity, promote autonomy and redefine Europe's global role.
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Between Past and Future
On 22.02.1963, former Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President Charles de Gaulle built the foundation for a new era of friendship between Germany and France with the signing of the Élysée Treaty. On the 61st anniversary of this event, we take a look at the current state of the German-French friendship.
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Building a Green, Fair and Resilient Solar PV Supply Chain
Europe faces a critical moment in its energy strategy, with opportunities to diversify its supply and enhance independence through global partnerships. However, challenges arise from disruptions in gas trade due to geopolitical conflicts, leading to increased CO2-intensive fuels. The push for renewable energy, as seen in the EU Green Deal, is hindered by divergent member state strategies, infrastructure limitations, and economic bottlenecks. China's renewable energy sector dominance poses a unique challenge, emphasizing the need for re-globalizing supply chains to mitigate risks and ensure stable collaborations for a sustainable energy transition.
