Theme and Tracks

European prosperity has always relied on global trade and cooperation. In the last decade, Europe’s vulnerability dangerously grew by depending on cheap Russian energy, the huge Chinese market and American security guarantees. In 2023, Europe must take a bold leap and accept the danger of these dependencies. We must urgently reduce them, while remaining open to the world. Europe needs to massively build renewable energy systems, diversify away from dominant actors and vulnerable industries, and it needs to take its security into its own hands.

More than that: Europe also needs to become bolder in shaping the world. It must use the current window of opportunity to accelerate the green transition and strengthen its global leadership in the fight against climate change. Europe’s former economic powerhouses must bring their economies back on track and regain their competitiveness by investing more in technology and innovation.

The EU must become more effective in using the size of its single market to set global standards in accordance with its interests and values. The defense of our democratic values against authoritarian influences also requires boldness. We need to master this complex world by questioning assumptions, running experiments and taking risks.

Bold means to have a clear plan together. The willingness to take risks together. The preparedness to act fast and strong together.

A bold Europe is not an option, it is a necessity.