As the long summer vacations in Brussels have come to an end, the local media was quick to catch officials up on the events that unfolded during their absence. The June NATO summit certainly highlighted a few notable developments, and the trade agreement with the United States was deemed to have overly favored the latter. A striking moment was when Chinese President Xi Jinping declined to participate in the July summit with the EU leaders.
In contrast to the resounding diplomatic success that was in the air a while ago, there are now murmurings of worry about a potential European humiliation. As opposed to falling into such a depressing future, it is probably time for Europe to evaluate its stance. Some critics have referred to the recent months as ‘Europe’s summer of submission’, or ‘Europe’s summer of geopolitical obeisance’. This however, is simply one perspective of the unfolding events.
The fall season seems to be continuing the momentum built by the summer’s geopolitical events. Many have cited the delay in the implementation of digital laws against Google by the European Commission, instigated by the US Justice Department, as a prime example. Meanwhile, in the European Parliament, a significant tariff deal continues to face opposition.
Facing criticism from within, Sabine Weyand, the most senior trade official from the commission, found herself at the center of a heated discussion. French legislator Marie-Pierre Vedrenne insisted that the European Union must no longer bend to tariff-related pressures. It’s certainly clear that the EU is in need of a strong, unified stance against unjust tariffs.
In parallel to these internal struggles, the global political climate is rapidly changing too. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s summit in Tianjin drew attention to the strength of alliances between China, Russia, and India – three nations the EU would ideally look to for productive discussions on trade and security. The sight of Chinese and Russian leaders hand-in-hand with Indian Premier Narendra Modi surely stirred strong sentiments.
Senior EU diplomat Kaja Kallas described this alliance as an ‘autocratic unity…aiming for a swift march towards a new global system’, but acknowledged the ripple effect it has globally. Kallas expressed a very common sentiment – the feeling that ground of reality is shifting under our feet as the pace of geopolitical changes accelerates.
Powerful demonstrations of military and technological advancements set the tone for current global politics. The EU feels these vibrations, particularly in the wake of engagements with former US President Donald Trump. Now it seems like Asia, specifically China, is stepping up to position itself as a world technology leader.
For quite some time, EU leaders have been striving to establish Europe as a significant geopolitical force, however the outcomes have often seemed less fruitful. In recent times, both the US and China have demonstrated that assertiveness in terms of tangible power, be it military or economic, is a pivotal factor in seizing the global stage.
The contrast of capability was starkly illuminated at the Tianjin summit, where Indian Premier Narendra Modi was in attendance shortly after the US had imposed tariffs on India. It initiated conversations about a potential shift in the dynamics of India’s relationship with Beijing.
One of the key problems causing the current sense of unease is resultant of Europe’s slightly lackadaisical approach to swimming in the waters of international politics. They have faltered in their responses to tariff impositions by Trump and China’s supposed trade violations. This discrepancy raises crucial questions; will Europeans always succumb to financial persuasion, or will they stick with their American partners?
If anything, it’s clear that Europe needs to strengthen its relationships with nations located in the southern hemisphere, especially the burgeoning economies of the BRICS nations. It is noteworthy that these countries do not align themselves completely with either China or Russia, but prefer to maintain balanced relations with multiple global powers.
Expressing concern about the potential failure of the deal, Kallas argues that for effective global trading, Europe needs to maintain a strong stance among its partners. Unity, she insists, is paramount among the 27 EU member states, as they are collectively engaged in a fight for freedom and democracy.
Finally, Da Wei, heading the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, aptly notes that the world is evolving towards multiple power centers. Crucially, waiting for the US to ‘become normal’ again won’t serve the interests of Europe, they must adapt to the new multipronged power paradigm.
The post Europe Grappling with Geopolitical Shifts appeared first on Real News Now.
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