ENGAGE

This policy brief examines how the EU can leverage its unique strengths to become more proactive, assertive, and effective on the international stage. It offers several recommendations to achieve this goal, including leveraging the expertise of EU agencies for external action, empowering and expanding the corps of EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) and intensifying support for civil society engagement. These measures aim to enhance the EU's role in conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution, while also promoting gender mainstreaming, economic development and environmental protection.

This policy brief examines the European Union's strategic partnerships as a foreign policy tool in today's complex global landscape and questions their effectiveness, coherence, and sustainability. The pertinence of the these strategic partnership and their strategic value have become increasingly ambiguous. To address these challenges, we propose several steps for the EU to consider. Firstly, a comprehensive review of existing partnerships is necessary, including streamlining successful ones and terminating those no longer feasible. This effort should be led by the European Commission and the European External Action Service, with input from other institutions. Secondly, prioritizing partnerships with like-minded democratic states and international organizations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the G7 countries can ensure long-term synergies and shared interests. Lastly, harmonizing the EU's strategic objectives with those of its Member States requires improved communication and coordination, particularly in multilateral settings.