Engaging with emerging powers: a strategic roadmap for the EU and Spain

To tackle the pressing challenges that define our interconnected world, the Global Policy Center (GPC) actively explores emerging trends and provides actionable insights. In keeping with this mission, the GPC has published the report “Engaging with Emerging Powers across Key Areas: Opportunities and Caveats for the European Union and Spain,” authored by Amaia Sánchez-Cacicedo and Luis de Lossada i Gallart. 

The study analyzes how the EU can engage more effectively with emerging powers by harnessing existing opportunities and reducing vulnerabilities to support cooperation. It also explores how Spain can foster engagement at the bilateral level based on its influence, especially in North and West Africa, the Mediterranean region and Latin America. Leveraging the EU’s resources presents significant possibilities, but courses of action and partnerships must be balanced with appropriate planning and security measures.

For even development, the study examines how the EU's trade interests and sustainability regulations could hurt trade relationships with its partners. Trade partners may perceive these regulations as protectionist measures, which could backfire on the EU's efforts for economic collaboration. The study encourages alternative efforts as South-South trade becomes increasingly significant in the world's economic growth and development. 

While the EU should discourage protective measures, it has the potential to be a leading region for technology and green innovation. Emerging powers have already demonstrated their interest in sustainability and growth, which allows the EU to transfer its knowledge of green technology to its partners, fostering cooperation. The guidelines suggested in the report recommend avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to knowledge sharing with EU partners. Rather, the EU should consider the unique backgrounds of each emerging power and tailor its approach accordingly. 

Another area of focus is the digital realm, where the EU can work to bridge the digital divide. Inclusive approaches to channeling digital connectivity and digital transformation in third states could reshape the EU's image, positioning the EU as a helpful partner with useful resources. Utilizing the digital realm to provide public goods with other initiatives can reimagine partnerships for increased cooperation. 

Given expansions in its collaborative efforts with partners, the EU should also broaden its security narratives. Though Ukraine currently dominates the EU’s security discourse, the EU should prioritize diverse geographies and mitigate perceptions of bias, particularly among emerging powers in the Global South. Other areas such as cybersecurity, anti-terrorism, maritime safety and nontraditional threats like climate crimes and disaster risk management all present the EU with opportunities for collaboration with partners.  

This study stresses the importance of Spain's role in collaborating with emerging powers. It encourages Spain to explore foreign policy beyond that of the EU to explore a position that safeguards neighbors and regions where Russia and China have gained influence. Additionally, Spain can strengthen its maritime security with maritime infrastructure and collaborate with emerging powers to bolster its strategic position.

Please find the full “Engaging with Emerging Powers across Key Areas” report on the Global Policy Center’s website.