Written by Vincent Tadday. Vincent graduated with a BSc in Global Studies (cum laude) from Maastricht University. He is a Young European Ambassador bridging the EU and its eastern neighbourhood. As part of a diverse range of organizations and networks, he is strengthening the voice of the youth in national, international, and global policymaking. Currently, Vincent is pursuing his master’s degree in public policy, studying in Paris and Berlin. As part of the Delegations Team, he eagerly supports young people from diverse backgrounds to navigate international politics and make their voices heard.
The Berlin skyline, with its mix of historic grandeur and modern ambition, served as a fitting backdrop for the tenth annual Europe’s Strategic Choices conference. Organized jointly by Chatham House, the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University, and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the event provided a great opportunity to reflect on the long-term challenges and opportunities facing Europe in an era of profound geopolitical and technological change.
Held at the Ritz-Carlton Berlin, the conference featured an impressive variety of panel discussions, breakout sessions, and background talks that brought together policymakers and representatives from business, civil society, and academia. This gathering aimed to forge new ideas on how European countries can best respond to challenges in security and defense, competitiveness and trade, technology, and global influence. With over 60 distinguished speakers, representation from more than 25 countries, and 350 in-person and virtual participants, the event provided a vibrant platform for meaningful dialogue. The speaker lineup included ambassadors, former ministers, and leading think tank experts, all addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time.
I had the pleasure of not only taking part in this lively conversation, but also representing Young European Leadership in the audience. It was a great opportunity not only to learn, but also to mingle with strategy nerds like myself and to present our organisation and our mission to bring the diverse perspectives of young Europeans to the decision-making table. The two days of the conference provided some interesting insights and I will use this blog post to take you inside the conference room of the Ritz Carlton at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin on a grey November day and share my key takeaways from the discussions I had on Europe’s strategic choices for the present and the future.
How the War in Ukraine Is Redefining Europe’s Security Approach
Unsurprisingly, the war in Ukraine dominated discussions, emphasizing its transformative impact on Europe’s security landscape. The conflict has laid bare vulnerabilities in Europe’s ability to respond rapidly and cohesively to emerging threats. Participants pointed to Ukraine’s extraordinary resilience as a case study, showcasing how innovation and adaptability can serve as vital complements to traditional military strength.
From leveraging cutting-edge technologies like drone warfare to mobilizing resources through unconventional means, Ukraine’s example underscores the need for Europe to modernize its defence strategies. The consensus was clear: joint procurement mechanisms, investment in research and development, and fostering public-private partnerships are essential steps. Without these measures, Europe risks lagging behind in its capacity to address 21st-century security challenges.
Navigating Transatlantic Ties in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
With shifting U.S. priorities and growing calls for burden-sharing, Europe faces a critical inflection point. How can it maintain strong transatlantic ties while achieving greater strategic autonomy?
This question sparked heated debates among participants. While there is broad agreement on the need for a more unified and self-reliant Europe, political inertia and diverging national interests within the EU remain significant obstacles. The potential for stronger European defence cooperation—through initiatives like PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) or the European Defence Fund—offers a path forward, but progress has been slow.
Speakers also noted that Europe must navigate the delicate balance of asserting its autonomy without compromising its alignment with NATO. The U.S. remains a crucial partner, but as its focus pivots toward the Indo-Pacific, Europe must take greater ownership of its security architecture.
Economic Security: A Cornerstone for Strategic Resilience
Another recurring theme at the conference was the importance of economic resilience. The twin shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have underscored the vulnerabilities of overreliance on fragile supply chains and external dependencies. Europe must prioritize investment in homegrown technologies and diversify its economic partnerships to safeguard its prosperity.
Several speakers highlighted the need for strategic autonomy in critical sectors such as energy, semiconductors, and rare earth minerals. The disruptions in global supply chains have made it abundantly clear that economic security is intrinsically linked to national security. By fostering innovation ecosystems and strengthening intra-European trade, the continent can reduce its exposure to external shocks.
This is not just about preparing for future crises—it is about ensuring Europe’s competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected and contested global economy. From the Green Deal’s industrial ambitions to the pursuit of technological sovereignty, Europe’s economic strategies will play a pivotal role in defining its global standing.
Innovation: The Key to Europe’s Future Resilience
In a world defined by rapid technological and geopolitical change, innovation emerged as the linchpin of Europe’s strategic future. Traditional approaches are no longer sufficient to address the challenges of hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, or economic coercion. Instead, Europe must embrace adaptability as a core principle across all sectors.
Speakers at the conference repeatedly emphasized the need for a cultural shift toward innovation. This goes beyond developing new technologies; it requires rethinking policy frameworks, breaking down bureaucratic silos, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Whether in defence, digital governance, or climate action, innovation must be a central pillar of Europe’s strategy.
One example that resonated with me was the Ukrainian innovation ecosystem. Despite the immense pressures of war, Ukraine has managed to adapt and innovate at an astonishing pace, demonstrating that necessity can indeed be the mother of invention. Europe has much to learn from this model as it seeks to build resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Positioning Europe in a Multipolar World
As the conference unfolded, it became clear that Europe is at a crossroads. The world might be no longer defined by a unipolar order; instead, power is increasingly dispersed across a multipolar landscape. In this context, Europe must navigate complex dynamics involving not only traditional allies like the U.S. but also emerging powers such as China and India.
This multipolar reality presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, Europe must protect its interests in an environment where competition for influence is intensifying. On the other hand, Europe has a unique opportunity to act as a bridge-builder, promoting multilateralism and rules-based governance.
Participants underscored the importance of aligning Europe’s strategies with its values. Whether addressing climate change, regulating artificial intelligence, or mediating global conflicts, Europe’s ability to lead by example will be a defining factor in its global role.
Lessons for the Future
Attending the conference as a representative of Young European Leadership, I was struck by the depth of the discussions and the shared recognition of the stakes involved. Europe’s strategic decisions are not the responsibility of governments alone. Civil society, private sector stakeholders, and young leaders all have a role to play in crafting solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and future-proof.
One clear takeaway from Europe’s Strategic Choices 2024 was the urgent need for collective determination. The tools for navigating the challenges ahead already exist; what is required is the political will and cohesion to use them effectively. In a time of heightened uncertainty, Europe must harness its diversity as a strength and work toward a common strategic vision.
The choices made today will define Europe’s role on the global stage tomorrow. In this sense, the conference was not merely a forum for debate but a call to action. Determination, innovation, and collaboration will be the keys to success in navigating an increasingly complex world.
As Europe grapples with these pivotal questions, one thing is clear: its strategic choices are not just about shaping its own future but also about influencing the trajectory of the global order. In Berlin, the conversations may have ended, but the work of defining Europe’s role in the world has only just begun.