by Marius Ghincea
Speaking in Davos earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Europe’s urgent need for greater strategic autonomy amid global uncertainties. She argued that recent geopolitical shocks – notably the fractured transatlantic climate following Donald Trump’s return to the White House – must be catalysts for European self-reliance. “geopolitical shocks can – and must – serve as an opportunity for Europe,” von der Leyen said, calling the current “seismic change” in world affairs “a necessity to build a new form of European independence.” This concept of “European independence” echoed the EU’s recently-found goal of strategic autonomy.
