The world is undergoing a profound upheaval in international relations, marked by the erosion of international law and the rise of power politics. Rivalry between major powers, rearmament, new technologies and regional crises are redefining the global balance of power. Climate change and artificial intelligence are also accelerating economic and geopolitical transformations. Ultimately, these upheavals raise questions about the future of democracy, multilateralism and the emergence of a new multipolar world.

Caught between its Christian heritage, the rise of nationalism, and the affirmation of religious pluralism, Europe must adapt and find a new balance. On the occasion of the Pope's visit to France, it is worth recalling the Church's position on European integration. With Pope Leo XIV, the term "Christian roots" could take on a new meaning—no longer serving to exclude, but rather to defend human dignity, the rule of law, and coexistence. His stop in Metz, the birthplace of Robert Schuman, is significant in more ways than one.

In 2016, the CJEU's "Tele2" ruling brought about a major shift in access to connection data, imposing new restrictions in the name of privacy. Ten years on, European states remain deeply divided over how to balance individual freedoms, security and the effectiveness of investigations, making access to data a key issue for European security.

In Alsace, cross-border cooperation is a reality experienced on a daily basis. Mobility, health, employment, education and even ecological and industrial transitions are all issues that transcend borders and require joint solutions. Drawing on its history and its location at the heart of Europe, Alsace illustrates how cooperation with Germany and Switzerland strengthens regions and gives concrete meaning to the European project, whilst also giving rise to new challenges for the years ahead.

Agenda

What new world lies ahead?

The Pope, Europe, and the Role of Religions on the Continent: the Turning Point of Leo XIV

'Tele 2', ten years on: difficulties and controversies over access to digital data

Cross-border cooperation central to the European project