Faced with mounting economic pressure from foreign powers, the European Union must strengthen its ability to defend its interests and preserve its unity. The challenge is to make its anti-coercion instrument more credible, predictable and responsive, without systematically triggering a trade escalation. This requires simplifying decision-making procedures, establishing clearer guidelines for launching investigations and strengthening financial solidarity amongst Member States in order to share the costs of retaliatory measures fairly.

The European Union faces growing maritime threats and economic and industrial dependence on powers such as China and the United States. To protect its trade and maritime infrastructure, it must strengthen its naval capabilities, develop its industry and invest in new technologies. Cooperation between Europe's navies is essential to guarantee its security and preserve its strategic autonomy.

Europe has become a major target for foreign interference in the fields of research and higher education. These operations aim to steal sensitive scientific knowledge or to influence ideas and political decisions. International openness, a lack of funding and insufficient coordination between European countries are exacerbating this vulnerability. Such interference is on the rise and threatens both Europe's sovereignty and its unity.

Foreign interference poses a major threat to European democracies by undermining public trust, manipulating information and disrupting electoral processes. Given these strategies of destabilisation, the European Union must strengthen cooperation, its protective measures and its political sovereignty. The defence of democracy also relies on citizens' engagement, their critical thinking and their vigilance in the face of disinformation.

France's mounting debt raises major economic and political challenges, notably the increase in the cost of borrowing and a loss of confidence on the part of the financial markets. Bringing the government deficit under control is becoming crucial, but this involves difficult choices between cutting spending, promoting economic growth and maintaining purchasing power. The key issue is to find a credible and sustainable fiscal path without undermining citizens' well-being or jeopardising future investment.

Agenda

Putting a Price on Economic Coercion How the EU can build on its Anti-Coercion Instrument

The European maritime strategy at a turning point

Asymmetric warfare over knowledge: Europe a prime target

The European Union and foreign interference: understanding, identifying and resisting it

"Those who pay their debts ..."