As 2026 begins, Europe faces a sobering reality: great powers are rewriting the rules of global order while the EU struggles to assert itself. In this episode, host Paul Taylor is joined by Steven Everts (EUISS) and Almut Moeller (EPC) to unpack why Europe appears weak, divided, and reactive in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges — from Trump’s transactional diplomacy and Putin’s aggression to Xi’s strategic maneuvers.
The discussion explores the EU’s “psychology of weakness,” its failure to leverage frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, and the growing risk of irrelevance in a world dominated by power politics. Can Europe overcome internal divisions, rethink its security architecture, and reclaim influence? Tune in for a candid conversation on what it will take for the EU to stand up for its interests and values in 2026.
