GLOBSEC has released a pivotal report on the European Union’s current state and future trajectory amidst multiple crises. Based on consultations with policymakers, business leaders, and experts from Central and Eastern European countries (including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and more), GLOBSEC put forward a set of ideas that reflect CEE perspectives on the ideal priorities for Europe’s incoming leadership. The report focuses on ideas how to enhance European competitiveness, security, and global influence. It highlights the region’s evolving influence following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the pressing need for a cohesive, resilient, and globally competitive Europe.
Historically, the EU has always learned from crisis and managed to emerge out of them stronger. However, it would be foolhardy for the EU to assume that this will be the same. Russia’s aggression and the instability of the postwar liberal order demand a fight to preserve the EU’s political and economic model. Technological advancements and interconnectedness, while beneficial, also increase vulnerability to security threats and authoritarianism. This poses significant challenges for policymakers dealing with both internal and external threats.
The European Parliament elections in June 2024 set the political parameters for Europe's new leadership. They also made it clear that in some countries, particularly France and Germany, domestic political developments could hinder their ability to consistently and effectively lead on shared European priorities at the speed required. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding the US elections affects Europe's relationship with its key ally. In this context, Central and Eastern European countries are poised to play a crucial role in shaping a positive agenda for Europe.
The report overarching priorities: A competitive Europe: advocating for cohesive economy with a robust technological base to maintain global relevance. A secure and resilient Europe: emphasizing the need for enhanced security and defence capabilities within the EU. A global Europe: leveraging Europe’s collective power on the global stage.
The findings reflect the strategic importance of Central and Eastern Europe in the broader European integration project, highlighting the region’s potential to significantly influence EU policy and leadership amidst transformative geopolitical and technological shifts. The publication is essential for understanding the strategic environment facing Europe and the critical steps needed to safeguard and advance the European project.
The main recommendations from the report:
I. A COMPETITIVE EUROPE:
- Ensuring robust funding support for strategic sectors
- Reconsidering rules on national aid and subsidies
- Promoting the expansion and development of digital infrastructure
- Elevating R&D and innovation to the top of European economic agenda
- Ensuring alignment of the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) with overarching priorities and competitiveness goals.
- Mobilising private capital to fund strategic priorities
- Strengthening and protecting future-oriented European industries
- Attracting, cultivating, and keeping talent in Europe
- Employing clean technologies to strengthen European economies
II. A MORE SECURE AND RESILIENT EUROPE:
- Investing in European Defence Industrial Policy
- Upgrading synchronisation with NATO with a focus on military mobility and the protection of critical civilian infrastructure
- Forming a joint European air defence shield
- Making funding available and accessible
- Strengthening democratic resilience against malign interference
- Enhancing European cyber defence capacities
- Learning the lessons from the pandemic by building a more resilient health sector
III. STRONGER EUROPE ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
- De-risking global trade as well as integrating resilience and security considerations into trade relations
- Enlarging to spread stability in the EU’s neighbourhood
- Bolstering its global impact through better development aid distribution
- Enhancing its coordinator function to further externalise migration in alignment with EU values
For more detailed insights read the full report "Pivotal moment for Europe: Central European proposals for the next EU leadership," its executive summary, and individual chapters below.
