Europe must make a defining choice: step up to become a global superpower – or fade into irrelevance.
Europe stands at a historic crossroads. Across the world, authoritarian regimes are rising, multilateralism is under strain and climate and technological disruption are transforming global power. Peace, democracy and freedom – once the bedrock of our continent – can no longer be taken for granted.
For too long, Europe has been naïve and complacent. We outsourced energy, offshored industries and underinvested in defence. Russia’s war in Ukraine, energy blackmail and trade tensions have exposed a painful truth: a divided Europe is a weak Europe. Our security and prosperity are our own responsibility. No one else will safeguard them for us.
A Liberal call to lead
As liberals, we believe another Europe is possible and necessary – an assertive Europe that defines its own destiny with unity, courage and determination. The challenges of our time demand purpose, not apathy. We choose unity over division, realism over complacency and action over hesitation.
This year’s ALDE Party Congress comes at a defining moment. Power politics have returned to Europe. Protectionism is rising and illiberal ideas are spreading. Liberals must respond – by relearning the language of power and showing that power can serve freedom, democracy and openness.
Europe can and must rise to become the third global superpower, alongside the United States and China – not by imitating their models, but by offering a liberal alternative: a strong Europe guided by values.
Our power must rest on three pillars: economy, defence and diplomacy.
SHAPE: An Economic Superpower
To lead globally, Europe must first lead economically. We must restore our competitiveness and become a powerhouse of innovation, investment and talent. ‘Made in Europe’ must once again stand for excellence and innovation – not bureaucracy and overregulation.
We need reforms that complete and strengthen the Single Market, reindustrialise our economies and cut red tape. Competitiveness will be restored through simplification, innovation and technological progress.
Europe must invest in clean and reliable energy, lead on AI innovation and emerging technologies and secure strategic trade agreements that diversify our partnerships and supply chains. We must foster a climate that empowers entrepreneurs and innovators. One that backs citizens and businesses, not blocks them.
Our economic power also depends on people. We must attract and nurture the best talent, equip our citizens with new skills and ensure that Europe’s workforce remains the engine of progress. A Europe that creates prosperity at home is a Europe that shapes the world economy.
ACT: A Defence Superpower
War is back in our continent. Europe must be able to defend itself with strength, speed and unity. NATO remains the cornerstone of our defence – but we cannot depend on others forever. Fragmentation is our weakness.
We need a clear and credible European security strategy, backed by investment in defence and cyber capabilities. Europe must build its own capacity, integrate its defence industries and create a single European defence market that fosters innovation and removes barriers to cooperation.
Our frontlines today are not only on land or sea – they are in our power grids, digital networks and technological infrastructure. Cybersecurity must become Europe’s new frontier for sovereignty. We need stronger shields against digital attacks, secure critical infrastructure and resilient supply chains.
A Europe that can defend itself is a superpower that commands respect and guarantees peace.
DELIVER: A Diplomatic Superpower
To shape the world, Europe must speak with unity and act decisively when it matters most.
In a world where autocracies are challenging democracy, the EU cannot afford paralysis caused by endless internal vetoes. Institutional reform is essential – to make faster decisions, to break deadlock and to prepare for enlargement.
A true geopolitical Europe must be capable of defending its interests and promoting its values abroad. While autocrats spread fear, Europe must be a lighthouse of freedom and democracy, leading on foreign affairs, climate action and trade.
Our partnerships must be strategic and values based. We must deepen cooperation with partners, such as India, Mercosur and Indonesia – diversifying supply chains, securing green technologies and advancing our digital sovereignty.
Europe can compete globally not through domination, but through leadership by example – proving that openness, democracy and cooperation are sources of strength, not weakness.
A Europe that is united in purpose and confident in action is a Europe that shapes the world.
A liberal vision for Europe’s future
Liberals built the foundations of the European project and the post-war order. Now we must defend them. The liberal promise – peace, prosperity and freedom – remains Europe’s greatest achievement. But without strength, our values will not survive.
Our vision is clear: freedom, open societies and democracy – backed by real power. Europe must be autonomous in energy, technology and defence. We must be independent from Moscow for energy, Beijing for technology and Washington for security, while remaining a reliable, democratic ally on the world stage.
This is not a call for isolation, but for responsibility. We want partnership, not dependence. We want a Europe that acts when the world hesitates, that protects when freedom is threatened, and that leads when leadership is needed most.
Our liberal family has always known this truth: we strive for peace, but we are not afraid of power.
This is the moment. This is the challenge. Europe must unite. Europe must lead. Europe must take action to become a global superpower.
Svenja Hahn MEP is ALDE Party’s President
