Strengthening Europe’s Strategic Autonomy

Who can defend their interests better than themselves? Strategic autonomy is a European answer to this question.

If strategic autonomy is historically linked to defense issues, the concept has been broadened as Europe seeks to reduce its dependence in other areas: trade, health, energy, digital... Many sectors already exposed to geostrategic risks.

Now guided by a goal of preparing for crises and shortages, European legislation now intends to equip itself with a protectionist legal arsenal in areas such as health, energy, semiconductors used to make batteries, or digital infrastructure (Iris2 constellation).

Long feared by a fringe of EU members, considered as a dangerous departure from the states-United and NATO; what priority should be given today to European strategic autonomy in a context of Donald Trump’s diversion from his historical allies and the trade war waged against his main European partners?