To stay influential globally, the EU wants to act independently in key matters while collaborating with partners when possible. This requires efficient and sustainable use of strategic assets – making the EU less reliant on other countries.
A stronger Europe that uses and increases its resources to improve the defence of its interests on the global stage. This is what we strive to achieve: the ability to act autonomously when and where necessary, and with partners whenever possible, in all matters of strategic significance.
Open strategic autonomy is the concept that can help achieve this goal by promoting collaboration and coordination across different policies within the EU. So, what is open strategic autonomy all about?
For an in-depth read on this matter, check our position paper here
Open strategic autonomy is a concept that aims to enhance Europe's self-sufficiency and independence in critical areas while staying open to global trade and cooperation. This aims to make Europe more united, assertive and stronger; putting the interests and values of its citizens first.
The EU has faced several challenges in recent years, including economic and financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical shifts. To address these challenges, Europe needs to maximise its resources and focus on developing strategic sectors such as energy, industry, infrastructure, and education. Investing in renewable energy, new technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and education will help Europe overcome the challenges, stay competitive, create job opportunities, and ensure citizens have the necessary skills to thrive in the modern economy.
A stronger, more resilient, and united Union must play an active role in building a world of lasting peace based on international cooperation, sustainable development, fair and inclusive prosperity, social justice, and human rights for all. Europe must continue to fight poverty, injustice, and inequalities across the world, and those who undermine women’s and LGBTQI+ rights. By creating synergies between external and internal policies, Europe can successfully achieve open strategic autonomy.
For the EU to be a credible and influential actor in the international arena, it needs to speak with one voice. This means developing a unified foreign policy that promotes the EU's values, interests, and priorities. Additionally, the EU needs to strengthen the internal market by implementing an industrial policy that produces critical resources within the EU. This approach will ensure that Europe remains self-sufficient and less vulnerable to external shocks.
Social cohesion and strong welfare states with robust social policies are essential for stability and prosperity in Europe. Investing in social policies that support healthcare, education, and social protection can enhance the EU's resilience – enabling better responses to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Respect for democracy, the rule of law, social justice, human rights, and fundamental freedoms internally is also crucial to the EU's credibility externally. These values are at the core of the EU's identity and must be protected and promoted both within the EU and globally. By upholding these values, the EU can set an example for other countries to follow and enhance its influence in the international arena.
- We need to have a unified approach when dealing with non-EU countries, so we can make better use of our foreign policy tools and create new ones. We also need to invest more in our defence industry.
- Our trade policy should promote fair and sustainable trade while protecting workers. We need to ensure it is consistent with our other external action. As an open economy, the EU's prosperity is closely linked to the global economy. In pursuit of fair and sustainable trade, we must prioritise the wellbeing of workers and put them at the centre of our efforts.
- We must solve the Union’s energy dependencies through the European Green Deal and the pathway to climate neutrality by 2050, at the latest. We need to reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels and instead use renewable energy. This will make us more resilient to external shocks and provide clean and affordable energy for everyone.
- We need to become a global leader in technology and set high standards for digital regulation. We also need to strengthen our cybersecurity and educate citizens about digital literacy.
- We need to bring back essential production and invest in sustainable transport solutions. We should increase our global market share in the semiconductor sector and support local and regional food production.
- We should make the euro a stronger international currency by completing the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union. We also need to create a permanent budget for crisis support and strategic investments.
