The competition between the world's two major powers structures all international relations and influences the choices made by all the other countries,' observes Philippe Etienne. Against this backdrop, Europe finds itself in a delicate situation: must it choose between equidistance and following? For Europe, there is obviously no equidistance possible between the two giants, for reasons relating to its security, but above all to its values. In this triangle between the United States, China and the European Union, Europeans must position themselves to defend their place in strategic value chains. In the final analysis, it is up to us not to allow others to dictate our future.

On 1 October , Mark Rutte, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, begins his term as Secretary General of NATO. His appointment comes at a time when contributions and equipment are being Europeanised and European defence is being envisaged beyond NATO.

Global value chains and cross-border financial links have been severely tested in recent years. How can Europe navigate these troubled waters? Benoît Coeuré suggests a number of avenues to explore. Europe can capitalise on its main asset, the Single Market, and create a new toolbox for industrial policy. Mario Draghi's report on competitiveness and Enrico Letta's report on the future of the single market are available to European politicians to help them rise to the challenge.

The large-scale war launched by Russia against Ukraine on 24 February 2022 marked a real turning point in the history of Finland and Europe. For Elina Valtonen, it has radically altered the European security order, and there is probably no turning back. The cooperative, treaty-based security order has been transformed into a system based on a balance of power, deterrence and containment.

Fifty years after the partition of the island of Cyprus, this study focuses on the specific characteristics of this Member State of the European Union and the lessons to be learned for the future. At a time when enlargement to include new states with still disputed border demarcations is being considered, it is necessary to revisit the Cyprus question, as the definitive position of the northern part of the island in relation to the European Union remains ambiguous.

Agenda

The European Union between the United States and China: should we choose between equidistance and following?

What future for European defence?

Europe in a fragmented global economy: making the most of the single market and competition policy

European Defence and Russia

Cyprus: 20 years of membership of the European Union, between singularities and a theatre of geopolitical oppositions.