Roberta Metsola’s Post

European countries are increasingly vulnerable to external pressure that prevents them from exercising their sovereignty. This vulnerability threatens the European Union’s security, economic health, and diplomatic freedom of action, allowing other powers to impose their preferences on it. To prosper and maintain their independence in a world of geopolitical competition, Europeans must address the interlinked security and economic challenges other powerful states present – without withdrawing their support for a rules-based order and the transatlantic alliance. This means creating a new idea of “strategic sovereignty”, as well as establishing institutions and empowering individuals that see strategic sovereignty as part of their identity and in their own interest. Most fundamentally, the EU needs to learn to think like a geopolitical power. To manage in this new world, the EU and its members need to embark on a broad-based effort to recover their strategic sovereignty. The most sacred aspect of sovereignty is the ability to defend the nation against external threats. Since the end of the cold war, most EU member states have not felt substantially threatened in this regard. They were collectively among the most powerful military states in the world, and they sheltered behind the protection of the US. But an assertive China, a resurgent Russia, an America more focused on the Indo-Pacific than Europe, and a host of asymmetric threats from other powers and non-state actors means that most EU member states now face new security vulnerabilities that they lack the capacity to defend against on their own. Europe should upgrade its security activities, and seize the moment to push multilateral institutions up the agenda. But it will be Europe’s connectivity agenda that provides the golden thread running through its foreign policy and its other objectives in the region

As Member states greenlight Kaja Kallas 🇪🇪 as the next EU foreign policy chief, New Eastern Europe couldn't pick a better moment to publish my recent piece on the Baltics' role in the EU as part of a special issue that celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU Eastern enlargement 🇪🇺 📌 The piece can be accessed at the following link https://lnkd.in/dt4sehgc

What does Europe Day mean for to European Union? As Europe Day approaches, the continent stands at a critical crossroads, reflecting on its journey toward peace and unity amid persistent challenges. Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, it is imperative to confront the urgent issues threatening the foundational principles of the European project. This juncture necessitates a frank appraisal of the hurdles ahead and a redoubled dedication to preserving the cohesive fabric that unites Europe. It is a call to action, urging stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to the shared values that underpin the European Union and propel it forward into a future of prosperity and inclusivity. Over the years, the European Union (EU) has undeniably advanced in promoting cooperation and unity. Yet, contemporary surveys and real-life events emphasize pivotal zones where advancement proves challenging, dimming Europe’s hopes for stability and development. These critical areas underscore the ongoing need https://lnkd.in/gjjj4EVZ

Two decades have passed since the European Union’s “Big Bang enlargement” into Central and Eastern Europe. This anniversary prompts a reflection on the EU’s evolution and where the European project stands today. The analysis below is based on the three main processes that have shaped the EU since 2004: widening and deepening, the impact of crises, and the emergence of new political divides. Read more in the article by Ferenc Laczó in our latest issue '20 years later. Is Europe still united?' https://lnkd.in/dJ-k9XTU Subscribe to New Eastern Europe for 45 EUR/year.

I may sound really time backwards... but I see it exactly the way I describe below. Now, about EU as show case. Both the union and the independent states. Very interesting thing that is very common in all most developed and wealthy members of EU is that for the last two-three decades, their executive powers, the governments, are presented by "coalitions" from parties and movements and never by a political body that holds to political idea. In all these last decades, governments in these coutnries are formed by 'coalitions' out of political antagonists which unite to get power - what will they use this power for? https://lnkd.in/dCr9t_8e

BusinessEurope has launched its campaign for policy changes during the next EU political cycle, under the motto #RebootEurope. It focuses on what Europe needs to do during the next five years. Among companies and business leaders, that joined the call is also Zuzana Ceralová Petrofová, President of Czech company PETROF Pianos. In the interview she highlighted the benefits of being part of the EU but also on the future steps for further improvement. ⬇ 💡 https://lnkd.in/eUk_zhDs

Can Europe become a global superpower?

Hungary’s plan to ‘make Europe great again’ begins

🔎 Ever wondered how EU-level decisions directly affect your daily life?  Check out our website 'What Europe does for me' 👇 https://lnkd.in/e-dzn4kQ   🌤️ In your life: 400 life situations to find out how the EU works to improve your daily life 🌍 In your region: 7.000 EU-supported projects to discover how the EU supports your local area 🔬 In focus: 30 focus briefs to learn how the EU is building a better Europe for you   #UseYourVote #EUelections2024 #EU2024

Very useful website with the EU elections coming up in June