ECFR’s Election Insights: Implications for Europe’s Foreign Policy Agenda
On June 10, 2024, from 8:30 to 9:30 Berlin time (CEST, UTC+2), the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) hosted a webinar discussing the implications of recent election results for Europe’s foreign policy and security agenda. The panel included experts from ECFR offices in Paris, Berlin, Sofia, and Rome, providing a comprehensive analysis of the political landscape in key EU member states.
Chaired by Susi Dennison, Senior Policy Fellow and Senior Director for Strategy and Transformation at ECFR, the discussion delved into the impact of recent elections on Europe’s foreign policy direction. The panel explored how shifts in political dynamics across Europe, including potential nominations for top EU positions, could shape the future of European foreign and security policy.
Drawing on ECFR’s latest public opinion poll on the European election, the experts examined how geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine and increased strategic competition have influenced voters’ choices at the ballot box. The panel also discussed the current expectations of European citizens regarding the EU’s role on the global stage and whether the anticipated changes in Brussels will align with these demands.
The debate, moderated by Susi Dennison, featured insights from Celia Belin, Head of ECFR Paris, Rafael Loss, Policy Fellow at ECFR Berlin, Maria Simeonova, Head of ECFR Sofia, and Arturo Varvelli, Head of ECFR Rome. The experts shared perspectives from their respective national contexts and highlighted the importance of building a cohesive and robust European foreign policy agenda in the next institutional cycle.
Overall, the webinar provided a valuable analysis of the recent election outcomes in key EU member states and shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s foreign policy landscape. As the continent navigates through political transitions and global uncertainties, the discussion emphasized the need for a proactive and strategic approach to shape Europe’s role in the evolving international arena.