December 2024

Dear Readers,

As the year comes to a close, a year of dramatic changes serves up another with the toppling of the Assad Regime in Syria. As countries across Middle East and beyond adapt to the developments, all eyes are on what kind of Syria its citizens can shape.

In Europe, leaders are looking ahead to Donald Trump’s inauguration, preparing for the economic and security disruptions his first year back in the White House are likely to bring. For Europe’s economy, don’t miss two articles that tackle this question. One article takes a look at the trade and investment impacts of Trump’s tariffs on Europe and the United States, while another takes a longer view of the various factors that will shape the European and global economy in 2025.

On security and defence, we present a round-up of perspectives from across Europe on what their country anticipates from a second Trump presidency, as well as their varying preferences for a europeanisation or strong bilateralisation with the US in a potentially weakened NATO.

For even more on the US election results and their consequences and opportunities for Europe, find our experts’ views on a range of other issues from the US-UK-EU triangle to Ukraine and China – all in one place in our election reaction article. For EU public opinion on transatlantic relations, take a look at the latest eupinions data to see the answer to, among other questions, whether Europeans think it is time to “go their own way”.

Finally, it’s not all about the transatlantic relationship in today’s newsletter: Read an overview of the soon-to-begin Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and which priorities Warsaw will set with its 6 months in the role.
Happy reading and we wish you all the best over the holiday season. See you in the new year.

With warm wishes,

Malte Zabel

Co-Director
Europe’s Future Program

 
Blue Coin Operated Binocular With City View

European Economic Outlook 2025: Multiple Crises Dampen the Upswing

Explore our European economic outlook for 2025, in which geopolitical tensions, climate risks and policy shifts are dragging down a potential upswing. While challenges persist, easing inflation and potential export growth provide a ray of hope in an otherwise gloomy picture.
Read more

Location Poland. Red pin on a map

Poland’s EU Council Presidency: Just in Time?

Poland assumes the EU Council Presidency on January 1, 2025, positioning itself as a key player in Europe amid leadership flux and global challenges. With a focus on defense, Ukraine, and transatlantic ties, can Poland redefine its role and strengthen EU unity during this critical term?
Read more

 
Eupinions-Cover Illustration

Old Habits Die Hard: Remaking the Transatlantic Partnership in EU and US Public Opinion

Europe and the US face a turning point: Can their historic alliance adapt to new global realities? Discover key insights on security, and the future of transatlantic cooperation in the latest eupinions data.
Read more

NATO flags waving in the wind

Europe Reacts to Trump: What to Expect in Security and Defence Policy

Europe braces for change as Donald Trump’s re-election reshapes transatlantic security. Will nations pivot toward European integration or deepen ties with the US amid NATO uncertainties? Read for perspectives from around Europe. Read more

 
Containership in a harbour

Economic Consequences of the US Election for Europe

Trump’s re-election could reshape global trade, with US tariffs and tax cuts challenging Europe’s export-driven economies. Explore the short- and long-term effects on growth, trade, and investment, and discover what steps the EU can take to safeguard economic stability and social cohesion.
Read more

Donald Trump, 45. and 47. President of the United States of America

2024 US Election Results: After Trump Victory, We Look at What’s Next for Europe

Trump and the GOP’s election victory signals major global shifts. Europe faces potential disruptions, including NATO weakening, strained EU-US trade ties, and altered dynamics with China and the Middle East. Urgent preparations for geopolitical challenges are essential. Read more

 

In the next edition

 

We’ll return in the new year with our outlook on the trends and events to watch in 2025.

To keep abreast of our work, please keep an eye on our blog: globaleurope.eu

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