The European Governance Project within the CGSRS Europe Programme is dedicated to critically examining the future trajectory of the European Union (EU) in light of the ongoing geopolitical shifts and internal challenges. This project draws on the "White Paper on the Future of Europe: Reflections and Scenarios for the EU27 by 2025", which was presented by the European Union in Spring 2017.
As the EU approaches the pivotal milestone of 2025, it finds itself at a crossroads. The union faces an array of complex and interconnected challenges, including rising nationalism, the aftermath of Brexit, economic disparities between member states, migration crises, and external pressures from strategic competitors such as China and Russia. The European Governance Project seeks to analyze how these factors shape the EU’s potential paths forward and how it can evolve to address contemporary global and regional dynamics.
Key Areas of Focus:
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Internal Divisions and Political Fragmentation
- The EU must confront growing divisions within its member states, marked by populist movements and nationalistic rhetoric that threaten its unity and effectiveness. This project will explore how these tensions might impact the EU’s governance and decision-making capacity.
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Economic and Social Integration
- With widening economic disparities between Western and Eastern Europe, the project will assess how the EU can promote greater economic cohesion, foster prosperity across the union, and address pressing social challenges, such as unemployment and demographic shifts.
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Geopolitical Realignment and Global Positioning
- This project will examine how the EU can assert its position on the global stage amid intensifying geopolitical competition. This includes navigating its relations with major global powers like the United States, China, and Russia, as well as responding to regional security challenges in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
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The Future of European Institutions and Governance
- Drawing on the EU’s long-term strategic vision, the project will explore potential reforms to EU institutions, governance structures, and decision-making processes. How can the EU adapt to remain relevant and resilient in the face of contemporary geopolitical pressures?
Methodology and Research Approach:
Through extensive research, interviews with European leaders and experts, and in-depth analysis of EU policies and projections, the project will assess how the EU can navigate its internal and external challenges. By considering the scenarios presented in the White Paper on the Future of Europe, CGSRS will evaluate the most plausible pathways for the EU and offer policy recommendations aimed at ensuring its future success.
This project will also engage with broader themes such as European defense, migration policy, energy security, and climate change—areas where the EU's role is increasingly critical. As the EU strives for greater integration in some areas while facing fragmentation in others, this project will provide a comprehensive outlook on the future of European governance.
Relevance to Today’s Geopolitics:
The project is highly relevant to today’s geopolitical landscape, as the EU must position itself in an increasingly multipolar world. With rising global powers like China and India, shifting U.S. foreign policies, and the resurgence of Russian influence in Europe and beyond, the EU’s ability to maintain cohesion and play a leading role in global governance is more crucial than ever. The European Governance Project will explore how the EU can adapt to these evolving realities while safeguarding its values and promoting long-term stability within Europe.