Europe in the era of might

For years, Europe was practically obsessed with the notion of a rules-based multilateral world order. We chose to be guardians of international law, multilateral cooperation, and trade governed by regulations rather than brute force. This strategy has failed to bring the expected benefits, however – and is unlikely to do so in the future. While we remain absorbed by rules, the rest of the world is focused on might. The message is clear: If we want to maintain our position on the international stage, we need to come to terms with this reality and learn to play by its rules. We need to put our inhibitions aside and play the game of might.

How can we do this? First of all by addressing our weaknesses in foreign policy and defense, areas where we have clearly failed. At long last, Europe needs to speak with one voice. Our foreign policy has been fragmented and ineffective, often even to the point of making us the butt of sarcasm. The world cannot take us seriously when European foreign ministers come out of meetings lasting hours or days only to say that they agree to disagree. The same is the case with the European External Action Service (EEAS), which has evolved into a diplomatic agency bogged down by bureaucracy, with no real influence. The 27 member-states recently voted for three different decisions on the Middle East at the United Nations.

Our weaknesses are even more apparent in defense, though we may make headway in this area now that efforts are truly under way. 

The complex world around us serves as a reminder of the urgency for an effective European defense capability. We need to create our own shield and umbrella because we know that no one else is going to hold them up for us. The first set of historical decisions have already been made, paving the way for a Europe that can organize, produce and fund joint defense and armaments systems.

As it learns the game of force, Europe must also take better advantage of the policies and tools available in the community’s arsenal, which give access to resources and regulatory influence.

• The common market: It is the biggest and most well regulated market in the world, a market everyone wants access to and no one wants to be excluded from.

• The euro: It is the second largest reserve currency in the world and is constantly gaining new ground, with China and other third countries increasingly using it as a reference currency.

• Development aid: Europe invests huge sums of money in geopolitically critical areas, but often without demanding anything in return. This needs to change. Our assistance must be attached to the recipient’s stance toward us.

• Regulatory might: Our laws and standards shape global markets and this is a significant strategic advantage. Those who act against our interests must be prepared to pay the price, through sanctions or limitations, or sanctions against individuals and companies. 

There are no rewards for good intentions in geopolitics, only for strategic choices enhancing power. Europe must accept that we live in a world of power competition. This does not mean that we should abandon our values; it means that we need to learn to defend them in a more effective manner.

Europe cannot afford to act like a bystander in this new era; the time has come to adopt a more strategic mindset that combines our principles with the ability to enforce our terms.

For the past 10 years, the Delphi Economic Forum has served as the ideal platform for discussing all of these crucial questions. This year’s anniversary comes as Europe is called upon to take decisions that will determine its future. The dialogue that will take place there is not just academic – it is essential to shaping our strategic trajectory in this world. 

Margaritis Schinas is a former European Commission vice president.