Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine is creating a new geopolitical and security reality in Europe. Yet, this is not the only challenge that confronts the EU with a new context that brings security to the fore. The transatlantic relationship is strained by the return of Donald Trump to the White House, rivalry with China is growing, global and regional orders are changing, and migration and climate change are playing a significant role. The return of inter-state war to Europe, hybrid- and cyberattacks, and growing global instabilities and uncertainties are already deeply impacting the governments and societies of EU member states. This rapidly changing environment calls for a new strategic outlook that enables the EU to act effectively.
If the European Union wants to be a relevant actor in shaping the continent’s new security order, it will have to develop a comprehensive strategic approach. However, Germany’s own Zeitenwende, which was announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February 2022, is stalling, and the French-German tandem has become dysfunctional. Therefore, the process of Europe’s strategic reorientation ought to be driven by those member states that – as direct neighbors to Russia and Ukraine – best understand the urgency to act. Confronted with the erosion of the existing European security order, illustrated and propelled by Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, the countries of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the Nordic and the Baltic states, are most able to support the formulation of strategic concepts for Europe.
To support the fundamental reorientation so needed in European politics today, DGAP’s European Zeitenwende Strategy Group draws on in-depth analytical discussions with experts and stakeholders from countries bordering Russia and Ukraine. Under the slogan “In Together – Shaping a Common European Future,” it gathers high-profile experts from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the Nordic and Baltic states, together with their German colleagues and relevant policymakers to critically assess the conceptualization of a new European security policy. This group aims to support a substantial psychological and strategic shift in the European debate on Russia, Ukraine, and security in light of the biggest threat to Europe since the Second World War.
During its regular meetings with experts, stakeholders, and policymakers, the European Zeitenwende Strategy Group seeks to capitalize on these perspectives to formulate, discuss, and promote new ideas for the EU’s strategic reorientation. Convinced of the need for a comprehensive approach, the group considers different dimensions of resilience, including security and defense, economic security, institutional reform, and societal cohesion.
The European Zeitenwende Strategy Group is funded by Stiftung Mercator.
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