Dear Readers,
Economic security has become the defining test of Europe’s strategic agency. The continent remains vulnerable to economic coercion and needs dependable partners to bolster its resilience. One such partner is the United Kingdom, and with Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, the high stakes for how Europe and Britain position themselves in an unsettled global order could not be clearer.
In a recent policy brief, Jake Benford and Anton Spisak outline where closer cooperation between the UK and the EU on economic security is possible. Beyond that, we have launched a confidential and ongoing dialogue format with the European Policy Centre for British and EU participants to explore in which areas both sides can move forward together.
The search for resilience and renewal is not confined to EU–UK relations. It was also at the heart of Ursula von der Leyen’s message in this year’s "State of the European Union" address. “Europe is in a fight” – the Commission President’s words landed with force, since just hours before Russian drones had violated Polish airspace. Von der Leyen left no doubt about the challenge: Europe must renew itself, or risk being squeezed between the great-power politics of others.
Yet, the familiar dilemma of European politics persists. Commission initiatives can only succeed if member states are willing to follow through. Against this backdrop, von der Leyen’s repeated call for unity was logical, though it is doubtful whether it will have real impact. In her op-ed for Handelsblatt, Daniela Schwarzer argues that it is therefore crucial for some member states to step up, assume leadership, and build coalitions behind von der Leyen’s agenda. Germany, in particular, carries responsibility in this respect – especially as France, now on its fifth PM in less than two years, grapples with renewed political volatility. For more on the SOTEU address, eight colleagues unpacked the content from different angles. Find the full set of our analyses here.
Looking ahead, our next issue will feature Claudia-Dominique Geiser’s analysis of the “omnibus” packages – touted by von der Leyen as a success. Do they truly simplify legislation, or do they risk deregulating political objectives? Also in the next newsletter, we are excited to introduce a new tool: the Geoeconomic Interconnectivity Index, measuring the EU’s economic ties with its wider neighborhood in comparison with Russia, China, and the USA. Stay tuned!
Best wishes,
Malte Zabel
Co-Director Europe’s Future Program
