Navigating the Future: The EU's Evolving Role in Global Diplomacy and Partnerships
By Reka Felber and Nefeli Gkaroutsou
Read: 11 min
Your experience as Managing Director of the Western Hemisphere Department gave you unique insights into transatlantic relations. What opportunities or challenges do you foresee in the EU’s evolving relationship with the Americas?
The experience as Managing Director of the Western Hemisphere Department provides unique insights into the complexities and dynamics of transatlantic relations. The relationship between the EU and the Americas is undeniably a cornerstone of international cooperation, characterized by its historic significance and strategic importance. The EU and the United States, for instance, remain each other's largest trading partners and are deeply interconnected through shared membership in NATO, creating a robust security alliance. This long-standing bond spans numerous fields, underscoring its critical role for both the EU and its member states.
However, for many years, this partnership was somewhat taken for granted. There was an implicit assumption of its permanence, which led to what can be described as "benign neglect." Insufficient attention and investment were directed toward nurturing the relationship. The first Trump administration served as a wake-up call for Europe, highlighting the necessity of not assuming the stability of transatlantic ties. It was a reminder that maintaining a strong partnership requires continuous effort and mutual commitment.
In response, the EU has taken significant steps to enhance its contributions to shared security. Many EU member states now exceed the 2% GDP benchmark for defense spending stipulated by NATO, reflecting a renewed emphasis on burden-sharing. This financial commitment is coupled with efforts to improve the EU's security and defense programs, signaling a clear recognition of its responsibilities as a partner.
On the economic front, the EU is actively working to reinforce its competitiveness and economic resilience. Initiatives such as the Draghi and Letta reports underscore a broader strategy to future-proof EU economies and strengthen their foundations. These efforts include de-risking certain economic relationships to reduce vulnerabilities while maintaining a pro-trade stance. A key element of this strategy is securing supply chains and fostering partnerships with nations that produce critical raw materials necessary for modern industries.
These measures are not only vital for the EU’s internal stability but also for maintaining a strong and mutually beneficial transatlantic relationship. From a U.S. perspective, the EU's steps toward economic and security autonomy enhance its role as a trusted partner. The interdependence between the two regions, exemplified by EU investment in the U.S., job creation, and U.S. investments in the EU, reflects a positive and symbiotic relationship.
Moving forward, early engagement with any new U.S. administration is essential to reinforce the EU's position as a key partner. Highlighting the economic and security contributions of the EU, as well as its shared values and commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation, will further strengthen transatlantic ties. Continuing to invest in economic resilience, ensuring sustainable supply chains, and enhancing defense capabilities will position the EU as a reliable and forward-looking partner in addressing both regional and global issues. This path not only solidifies the EU’s role within the transatlantic partnership but also prepares it to meet the multifaceted challenges of the future.
What do you see as the most pressing challenges and significant opportunities for EU external relations in the next decade?
The next decade presents both significant challenges and substantial opportunities for the European Union’s external relations. Among the most pressing challenges is Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, which remains a central issue for the EU. This conflict, occurring within Europe’s borders, demands sustained attention and strategic responses. Equally concerning is the situation in the Middle East, which represents the EU’s southern neighborhood. The complexity and sensitivity of the conflicts in this region are compounded by differing perspectives among EU Member States, making it challenging to establish a unified approach. Nevertheless, it is imperative for the EU to exert influence and help stabilize the region, as any further escalation could have profound consequences not only for those directly affected but also for the EU itself, given the potential for regional instability to directly impact Europe.
Another critical area is the EU’s transatlantic bond with the United States. This relationship represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Strengthening and maintaining productive collaboration with the U.S. is crucial, particularly as future administrations may diverge from EU positions on key issues such as climate policy and multilateral engagement. Despite potential differences, it is essential to sustain this partnership, as it remains a cornerstone of the EU’s external relations. More broadly, global outreach must also remain a priority for the EU. Focusing on a diverse range of regions and countries is critical to building a resilient and dynamic network of relationships worldwide.
To this end, the EU has already established nearly 20 strategic partnerships with regions and nations across the globe. These partnerships are supported by regular summits and ministerial meetings, which provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation. For instance, the recent summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries marked a significant milestone in EU external relations. This inaugural meeting with GCC leaders reflects the EU’s recognition of the strategic importance of this partnership, particularly in terms of political, economic, and energy considerations. Holding such summits generates momentum for these relationships, enabling the EU to take further steps toward reinforcing its ties.
Looking forward, the EU must expand its focus beyond a few specific regions. Strengthening relationships with Africa, Latin America, and Asia is essential for fostering a comprehensive approach to international relations. These regions offer immense potential for political collaboration, economic growth, and sustainable development. By investing in partnerships with a wide array of countries and regions, the EU can position itself as a global leader capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of the coming decade. This holistic approach is vital for ensuring that the EU remains a relevant and effective actor on the global stage.
Reflecting on your experience as a member of the Secretariat of the Convention on the Future of Europe, working on external actions and foreign security policy, how do you see the EU’s external action evolving in the future, particularly in the areas of security, trade, and environmental diplomacy?
Reflecting on the evolving nature of the EU’s external actions, particularly in the realms of security, trade, and environmental diplomacy, it is evident that the traditional boundaries between internal and external policies are increasingly dissolving. In the early years of the EU, policy areas were clearly delineated, with distinct silos governing different domains. However, the contemporary geopolitical landscape has rendered such distinctions obsolete. The interconnected nature of modern challenges necessitates a holistic and integrated approach.
In the area of security and defense, the shift from a purely external focus to a more integrated perspective is particularly apparent. Traditionally, security policy revolved around external military preparedness and foreign interventions. Today, the concept of strategic autonomy has come to the forefront, emphasizing the EU’s internal capabilities. Questions about the EU’s capacity to produce sufficient military materials and its reliance on external suppliers are central to this shift. Dependence on external actors for critical military resources raises concerns about availability during times of need, underscoring the intrinsic link between security and industrial policy. Strategic autonomy, therefore, extends beyond defense to encompass the technological and production base underpinning EU security efforts.
Trade policy, too, exemplifies the blurring of internal and external considerations. Agreements such as the Mercosur trade pact highlight the dual dimensions of trade diplomacy. From an economic standpoint, expanding trade agreements fosters growth and opens new markets. Yet, the political realities within Member States often complicate such efforts. Strong domestic lobbies may oppose certain agreements, reflecting concerns about their socio-economic or environmental impacts. Consequently, trade policy cannot be viewed in isolation; it requires balancing external trade objectives with internal political and social considerations to ensure coherence and inclusivity across the EU.
Environmental diplomacy further illustrates this interconnectedness. While the EU actively participates in global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, it must also navigate significant divides between industrialized and developing nations regarding environmental responsibilities. These external challenges are compounded by internal resistance within the EU, particularly from sectors such as agriculture, where stakeholders fear the economic impact of stringent climate regulations. Addressing these multifaceted challenges demands a nuanced understanding of both external obligations and internal apprehensions.
This growing interplay between internal and external dimensions underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in shaping the EU’s external actions. Issues in security, trade, and environmental diplomacy cannot be compartmentalized as purely external or internal; rather, they require integrated strategies that consider their interconnected nature. By fostering synergy across policy areas, the EU can better navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global landscape and ensure its policies are both effective and sustainable.
How does the EU plan to strengthen partnerships with emerging global powers while maintaining its core values?
The European Union has been actively working to deepen its partnerships with emerging global powers, a priority exemplified by a significant summit held last year with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This event marked an important milestone, bringing together representatives from around 14 countries in the region. These summits, however, are inherently complex, not only due to the challenges of uniting two distinct regions but also because of the internal diversity within each.
Within the EU, Member States hold varying perspectives and priorities, reflecting their unique political, economic, and historical contexts. Similarly, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean cannot be regarded as a monolithic bloc; they possess distinct internal dynamics and diverse national interests. Recognizing these complexities is crucial for effective engagement. Rather than focusing on divisions, efforts must center on constructing bridges that foster mutual understanding. Strengthening partnerships, therefore, begins with addressing internal EU differences while gaining a nuanced understanding of the regions the EU seeks to engage with.
To advance these partnerships, the EU employs a multi-faceted strategy. Engagement occurs both bilaterally with individual countries and multilaterally through regional organizations, promoting cohesion and shared purpose. Summits play a pivotal role in this process, serving as platforms to establish common agendas and identify shared priorities. However, the success of these engagements hinges on follow-through. Commitments made during these meetings must be implemented effectively to ensure tangible progress. Subsequent summits then provide an opportunity to assess achievements, identify challenges, and explore avenues for further collaboration. This iterative process of dialogue, action, and reflection is essential for building durable and meaningful relationships.
The EU has intensified its efforts to solidify partnerships with regions like Latin America and the Caribbean. These areas are of strategic importance not only for their geopolitical relevance but also for their economic and energy potential. Moreover, the growing collaboration among countries within these regions enhances their influence on the global stage. This evolving dynamic underscores the urgency for the EU to maintain an active and visible presence. By reaching out and engaging with emerging powers, the EU can foster partnerships that support mutual growth and stability while remaining steadfast in upholding its core values.
Such partnerships are not merely about economic and political alignment but also about shared commitments to principles such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Balancing the pursuit of strategic interests with the promotion of these values is a cornerstone of the EU’s external relations approach. Through consistent engagement, the EU aims to create partnerships that are not only mutually beneficial but also aligned with its overarching mission of contributing to a stable and equitable global order.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience about the importance of diplomacy or the EU’s role on the global stage?
The European Union possesses a unique set of assets that establish it as a prominent actor on the global stage. This status stems not only from its institutional framework but also from the collective influence of its 27 Member States. Together, these nations form a diverse yet cohesive union, with a diplomatic reach that is unparalleled.
The EU’s global diplomatic network is extensive, encompassing its own delegations in numerous countries around the world. When combined with the embassies of Member States, this presence spans over 100 countries. While some Member States operate more limited diplomatic networks and others maintain expansive ones, the combined reach of the EU forms a powerful and far-reaching presence in international relations.
This substantial diplomatic capacity is further bolstered by the EU’s economic influence. Development cooperation programs, initiatives like the Global Gateway, and other policy instruments enhance the EU's ability to shape global affairs. Additionally, the EU wields considerable regulatory power and benefits from the global prominence of the euro as a reserve currency. These combined elements underscore the EU’s position as a formidable force in international diplomacy.
Nevertheless, the EU’s role on the global stage is not static but rather a continuous work in progress. Effective coordination among Member States presents an ongoing challenge, akin to steering a fleet of 27 ships to move in a unified direction. This effort requires seamless collaboration not only in Brussels but also across the capitals of each Member State.
A recent demonstration of the EU’s collective strength was its united response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The decisiveness and unity shown during this crisis exemplify the EU’s capacity to act cohesively in the face of global challenges. Such achievements are a testament to the importance of coordination and solidarity among Member States, showcasing the EU’s ability to mobilize its resources and influence effectively when the stakes are high.
Ultimately, the EU’s global role is shaped by its capacity to balance diversity with unity, leveraging its diplomatic, economic, and regulatory strengths to address international challenges. Its efforts not only reflect the importance of diplomacy but also underline the EU’s commitment to being a stable and influential actor on the world stage.
