European leaders have undertaken to set out the strategic agenda of the European Union (EU) for the years ahead, but dysfunctional politics across Europe and aggravating international crises risk stifling their resolve. This In-Depth Paper argues that high-level strategy making entails high-level political responsibility. Empowering Europe to meet citizens’ expectations is critical to the legitimacy of the EU itself. The EU needs a “grand strategy” approach to align consequent means to attainable policy goals. This In-Depth Paper contributes to the elaboration of the EU’s strategic agenda by outlining and testing competing strategic perspectives – Shaping Power, Transatlantic Partner and Sovereign Europe – building on an original matrix that allows one to compare their core elements. This exercise aims to support a strategic debate, which is an integral part of the effort to build a European strategic community and culture. The In-Depth Paper also delivers a distinct strategic proposition, outlining broad priorities for the EU to deal with several, connected challenges and transitions.
