2025 was a deeply troubled year but 2026 started out even worse. And Brussels has at times looked more irrelevant or vulnerable than ever on the world stage. This should be a deafening alarm bell.
The lesson to learn is no longer theoretical. For as long as Donald Trump occupies the White House, the US will remain self-interested, unpredictable and, at times, openly hostile. The EU can no longer assume automatic alignment with Washington. The US’ own National Security Strategy makes that abundantly clear. The question is no longer whether Europe must act – but whether it’s ready to face an era of unapologetic strongman politics. The EU and all its Member States now face a once-in-a-generation test of political will and responsibility. Strategic autonomy doesn’t mean isolation. It means navigating between the US and China with clarity, building smart partnerships and choosing battles wisely.
At CEPS, we embrace our responsibility to try to shape Europe’s policies and the broader international community towards stability and prosperity, including by engaging in disruptive, courageous systemic thinking. Here’s a breakdown of our research priorities for 2026-27.
