Two Tales in a City: The European Union in 2026
2025 painfully exposed Europe’s vulnerabilities at home and its fast-eroding power in the world. In 2026, Europeans urgently need to mend these vulnerabilities in security, democracy and their economic model. To succeed, they also need to hatch ideas for a reformed political and security architecture that can preserve the very idea of European collaboration and integration as a source and amplifier of power for Europe’s democracies. Yet, it seems likely that 2026 will instead be a sobering year.
This Outlook Paper 2026 is released as Europe enters another year of instability and rapid change. The months ahead will test whether the trends identified here continue to shape Europe’s trajectory.
Read the full Outlook Paper here.
Almut Möller is Director for European and Global Affairs and head of the Europe in the World programme at the European Policy Centre.
The support the European Policy Centre receives for its ongoing operations, or specifically for its publications, does not constitute an endorsement of their contents, which reflect the views of the authors only. Supporters and partners cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
