Reclaiming European Agency: A Path to Strategic autonomy in a Turbulent World
(Image: EU trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels, August 2025 – Yves Herman / Reuters)
Europe stands at a critical juncture. Years of deferring to external powers, coupled with internal divisions, have eroded its standing on the global stage and fueled a dangerous rise in nationalist sentiment. The current period of transatlantic turbulence, marked by shifting US priorities and escalating geopolitical risks, demands a essential reassessment of Europe’s approach to security, trade, and energy. The path forward lies not in confrontation, but in a resolute pursuit of strategic autonomy – the capacity to act decisively and independently when necessary, safeguarding European interests and values.
Navigating the Complexities of the Sino-European Relationship
A cornerstone of this renewed agency must be a nuanced and pragmatic approach to China. Expecting Beijing to sever ties with Russia entirely – halting trade in oil,gas,and othre commodities – is unrealistic. However, Europe can and should leverage its economic influence to curtail China’s support for Russia’s war machine. Specifically, focused efforts should target the export of dual-use goods – technologies and materials with both civilian and military applications – to Russia.
this will require a willingness to engage in challenging negotiations. China will undoubtedly demand concessions in return, potentially including assurances regarding NATO’s future engagement with partners in East Asia. While such demands may be unpalatable to some, a calculated and strategic dialog is essential. Europe must be prepared to articulate its red lines clearly and consistently, demonstrating a unified front that Beijing cannot ignore. This isn’t about containment; it’s about responsible statecraft and protecting European security interests.
Breaking the Cycle of Energy Dependence
The war in Ukraine exposed a critical vulnerability: Europe’s over-reliance on Russian energy. While the rapid shift to U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) provided a short-term solution, it has merely replaced one form of dependence with another.This dependence on a volatile transatlantic partner is not a lasting foundation for long-term energy security.
Europe, a continent inherently resource-poor, must prioritize diversification and accelerate its transition to a sustainable energy future. This necessitates a multi-pronged strategy:
* Expanding the Network of Energy Partners: Actively cultivating relationships with reliable suppliers in the Middle East, North Africa, and other regions is paramount. This requires proactive diplomacy and long-term investment in infrastructure.
* Recommitting to the European Green Deal: The Green Deal, despite facing headwinds from centrist and right-wing political forces, remains the most viable path to energy independence and economic resilience. Diluting its ambitions through omnibus legislation is a short-sighted and ultimately self-defeating strategy.
* Investing in green Technologies: A robust green-industrial strategy is crucial. It will not only drive decarbonization but also create high-skilled jobs, addressing a key concern of nationalist parties and demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive.
The Power of Assertive Diplomacy: Saying “No” when Necessary
These initiatives, while individually notable, are most powerful when pursued collectively. They represent a shift away from a reactive, deferential posture towards a proactive, strategic approach. Success in one area will build momentum and confidence in others, fostering a virtuous cycle of European agency.
Strategic autonomy is not about severing ties with the United States or dismantling the transatlantic alliance. It’s about cultivating the capacity to act independently when interests diverge, to articulate a clear vision for Europe’s role in the world, and to sustain a coherent policy agenda at home. For too long, appeasement has been Europe’s default response. While understandable in certain contexts, it has ultimately proven self-defeating, fueling nationalist backlash and undermining European credibility.
The alternative is not grandstanding or isolationism, but a steady, purposeful assertion of agency. It requires a willingness to say “no” when necessary, to defend European interests with conviction, and to invest in the capabilities necessary to shape its own destiny.If Europe can summon this resolve, it has the potential to emerge from this period of global uncertainty not merely as a survivor, but as a more self-reliant, more united, and more respected actor on the world stage.
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