Europe is at a defining moment. The world’s shifting power dynamics, the accelerating climate crisis and rapid technological change are testing the continent’s resilience. This report examines how Europe must confront its vulnerabilities and rethink its role in this new global landscape.
The conflict in Ukraine has exposed Europe’s dependencies in energy, security and supply chains. Meanwhile, its share of global GDP has fallen from one-quarter to just 15% today. With productivity growth stagnating at 0.7% annually, Europe’s economic output is set to remain the same in 2050 as it is today.
In the face of these challenges, the concept of European strategic interdependence offers a pathway forward. To succeed, Europe must safeguard its sovereignty while fostering collaboration – balancing self-reliance with strategic partnerships in a world of shifting alliances and growing geopolitical complexity.
This report reflects the discussions of the World Economic Forum’s High-Level Group on European Strategic Interdependence, comprising over 40 leaders from government, business and academia convened in 2024, in collaboration with the European Council on Foreign Relations.