Europe’s Predicament: Lost between Disagreements within the EU and Trump’s Pressure

Europe today faces a moment of strategic uncertainty. Internal divisions within the European Union, from economic governance and migration policy to energy security and defense, are testing the strength of European integration. At the same time, growing pressure from Washington under the Trump administration has intensified transatlantic tensions, challenging Europe’s autonomy in global affairs. These overlapping pressures have left the EU navigating between maintaining unity at home and asserting independence abroad.

As geopolitical rivalries deepen and new economic blocs emerge, Europe’s ability to act cohesively will shape not only its own future but also the global order. This session brings together policymakers, strategists, and thought leaders to examine how Europe can respond to external pressure while overcoming its internal fractures, and whether the continent can redefine its role as a credible global actor in a rapidly shifting world.