On October 17, 18, the GPC held the third session of the Madrid-Barcelona Future of Europe Debates.

The initiative brought together European a global thought leaders to explore key issues shaping the EU’s future. Co-organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs), and IE’s Global Public Policy (GPC), the public session, titled “Navigating Global Shifts: the EU’s Strategic Pathway,” addressed complex topics as the EU concludes a pivotal electoral year. Dr. Ilke Toygur, Director of IE GPC, moderated a panel of experts, including Rosa Balfour, Pol Morillas Bassedas, Giuseppe Porcaro, and Fabian Zuleeg, who shared insights on the EU’s internal and external challenges and its role on the global stage.

The session opened with a discussion on the EU’s internal cohesion and democratic vitality, where experts highlighted the urgent need for unity amid rising polarization. Panelists emphasized that a strong democratic foundation is essential not only for the EU’s internal stability but also for its influence abroad. This theme underscored the interconnectedness of foreign and domestic policy, with experts noting that external challenges can affect policy coherence within the Union and emphasizing the importance of reinforcing democratic values as a cornerstone of EU cohesion.

The conversation then shifted to the EU’s evolving security and defense strategy. With the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating global tensions, panelists stressed the need for a more diverse and resilient approach to security. They discussed the EU’s identity as a peace-promoting body and the balancing act required to maintain this stance while responding to emerging security threats. This included deliberations on how the EU might navigate its commitment to peace in an increasingly turbulent global environment, where defensive strategies must be re-evaluated.

The final focus was on the EU’s geo-economic strategy and its pursuit of strategic autonomy. As the global economy undergoes significant shifts, experts discussed how the EU can strengthen its economic influence while navigating interdependencies with key global regions. They explored the EU’s reliance on international supply chains and debated pathways to ensure economic resilience that aligns with the Union’s values and strategic goals. This discussion emphasized the need for adaptability in the EU’s approach to global economic engagement.

Part of the Future of Europe research line, this session contributes to ongoing efforts to analyze and address the EU’s pressing issues and equip it for a strategic future. Further insights from this series are available on the IE GPC website at https://www.ie.edu/gpc/research/future-of-europe/.