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.