EuropeChats Episode 4: European Strategic Autonomy

Speaker: Jim Cloos, TEPSA Secretary-General
Interviewer: Mariam

Introduction

• Focus on the concept of European Strategic Autonomy.
• Discussion arises due to:
  • A difficult and threatening global environment.
  • Crises over the last 15 years revealing weaknesses in Europe.
  • Need for Europe to become stronger, more powerful, and autonomous.

Definition of Strategic Autonomy

• Strategic Autonomy: "The freedom to act, and the freedom from over-dependence."
• Not about:
  • Autarchy (complete self-sufficiency).
  • Protectionism (importance of trade for economic prosperity).
  • Attacking NATO or weakening transatlantic relationships (essential for Eastern member states).

Different Interpretations

• Diverse Views: Various interpretations of the term among Member States.
• Importance of discussion:
  • Ensuring clarity on what strategic autonomy is not.
  • Addressing criticisms regarding being too driven by anti-American sentiments or being favorable to China.

Relationship with the US and China

• Strong EU can benefit the transatlantic partnership.
• Need to avoid developing into two antagonistic blocs (West vs. China).
• Strategic Autonomy allows EU to have its own stance without automatic alignment with the US.
  • Example: EU’s autonomy during the Trump administration.

Governance and Political Union

• Josep Borrell: EU cannot be a serious geopolitical actor without a stronger political union.
• Four elements to strengthen political union:
  1. Understanding the modern world’s functionality.
  2. Joint reflection on the EU’s global position (relations with China, US, Russia, etc.).
  3. Acknowledging divergences in Member States’ opinions.
  4. Balancing interests and values (e.g., dealing with China).

Policy Areas for Strategic Autonomy

• Strategic autonomy is not about specific policies but having the means to implement them.
• Importance of focusing on both interests and values to defend European positions globally.

Sanction Policies

• Questioning efficiency of sanctions against regimes like Russia and China.
• Important to use sanctions judiciously and understand their impact.
• Sanctions should not be the overall policy but a tool to defend human rights and European values.

EU’s Role in Global Issues

• Climate Change: EU has a strong position and should lead globally.
• Need for collaboration with China and the US on climate agreements.
• Trade: Need to defend EU interests through autonomous measures against unfair trade practices.

Digital and Technological Strategy

• EU must invest in innovation and technology to compete globally.
• Importance of establishing norms and regulations while encouraging European tech innovation.

Industrial Policy

• Need for a cohesive European industrial policy to enhance production capacity and reduce over-dependence.
• Acknowledging the significance of risk-taking in fostering innovation.

Handling Global Pandemics

• No perfect strategy exists; lessons must be learned from COVID-19.
• Importance of effective stock management, pooling resources, and public service acknowledgment.

EU and NATO Division of Labor

• EU's strategic autonomy is not about creating a European army but improving cooperation with NATO.
• EU should lead in dealing with non-military threats, while NATO focuses on hard security.

Conclusion

• Strategic Autonomy is essential for addressing current global challenges.
• Need for ongoing discussions and processes to define EU’s strategic autonomy going forward.
• Optimism about EU's ability to adapt and strengthen through crises.

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Closing Remarks

• Thanks to Jim Cloos for insights.
• Upcoming episodes and podcasts to explore for further information.