On Friday, May 22, HCSS strategic analysts Irina Patrahau and Benedetta Girardi will be co-hosting the GLOBSEC 2026 side-session \u2018Europe\u2019s Pivot: Converting Economic Weight into Geopolitical Clout\u2019.<\/p>\n
GLOBSEC Forum Side Session<\/p>\n
Europe\u2019s geoeconomic instruments have become integral to its security and global standing within an international environment characterised by systemic competition, economic coercion, and the heightened vulnerability of critical supply chains. The adoption of the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), the successive sanctions packages against Russia and other actions illustrate a necessary change in approach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, the EU has not always been able to effectively translate its economic power into geopolitical influence. From persistent internal coordination challenges and concerns over escalation to the need to manage key partnerships, especially transatlantic relations, the geoeconomic toolkit has not been used as effectively. This has direct consequences for European security: when economic instruments cannot be mobilised effectively, the Union\u2019s ability to respond to coercion, reduce strategic dependencies, and shape the behaviour of external actors is weakened. These dilemmas are particularly acute for Central and Eastern European countries, where exposure to both economic pressure and hard security risks is especially pronounced.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Europe now faces a series of strategic choices about whether and how to prioritise economic security over market openness, as well as how to clearly calibrate coercive and defensive instruments without undermining alliances. In this context, how can the EU translate its geoeconomic power into consistent geopolitical influence in a fragmented environment, characterised by trade conflicts, renewed industrial policy and protectionism.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In an era of global fragmentation, can the EU successfully yield its economic weight to secure geopolitical influence? What are the opportunities and the threats?\u00a0
\nHow can the EU prioritise its geoeconomic instruments while managing escalation risks and safeguarding transatlantic and other strategic partnerships?\u00a0\u00a0
\nWhich three actions should the EU prioritise over the next 12\u201318 months to strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of its geoeconomic statecraft?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Details<\/p>\n