Liberal Europe Blog

With the war in Ukraine, drones flying into NATO territory and ongoing protests in Serbia – just to mention a few relevant examples – we can say that Europe’s security, democracy, and stability are at stake. One of the key panels at the “Rethinking Security on Europe’s Eastern Frontier” conference this year addressed Europe’s security and stability and explored the role that the Western Balkans could play in strengthening the European security architecture.   

On the 28th of September 2025, Moldovans went to the polls in what many regarded as one of the most consequential parliamentary elections in the country’s young democracy. Against a backdrop of regional uncertainty, foreign interference, and mounting socio-economic pressures, this election was about where Moldova belongs: in the EU, or stuck in Russia’s shadow.

Acute geopolitical tensions are reshaping the very foundations of international relations and trade, often turning critical resources into weapons of global power play.

The European Union’s cohesion policy is arguably one of the most effective development policies in history For decades, it has served as a redistributive mechanism, building roads, digital networks, and public services across less-developed regions. But in an era of geopolitical tension, climate urgency, and technological disruption, a growing number of liberals argue that this approach is no longer enough.

During the post–Cold War period, space was mainly seen as a domain of discovery and innovation. Scientific ingenuity and ambition thrived within this global commons, leading to vital civilian services such as GPS, earth observation, and satellite systems that connected the world and deepened awareness of our planet’s environmental pressures. It was also an era of relative restraint, shaped by a culture of collaboration and a commitment to the peaceful use of space born out of the trauma of the 1960s space crisis. Organisations like the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs helped institutionalise these norms, while the Outer Space Treaty famously stated that space exploration ‘shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries’. For liberals, this cooperative order embodied a core conviction: that progress is greatest when the knowledge and infrastructure of space are treated as public goods, open and accessible to all.

The proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy marks a major shift, giving national governments more control while cutting red tape and merging funding streams. While it includes welcome steps like a “starter pack” for young farmers, the removal of climate ringfencing and continued reliance on outdated land-based subsidies risk undermining sustainability and innovation.

While acknowledging crucial strategic areas, the current MFF proposal remains rather conservative and might be cut back further. The proposal is still far off from future-proofing the European budget. Institutionalising proposals such as a Future Share concept to safeguard future-oriented investments would ensure Europe’s strategic autonomy, global competitiveness, and long-term resilience. Otherwise, even ambitious visions might become lost in translation.

Why are some of the European Union (EU) institutions holding back on robust pushback against an increasingly erratic, authoritarian, and bullying White House? Are we going to stand by while the Trump administration interferes with the EU’s sovereign choices through trade and investment measures, simply because the European Commission refuses to bend Single Market rules for US-based digital platforms, to the frustration of America’s tech oligarchs? 

The 21st century will be the century of space. This grand claim, recently echoed by Commissioner Kubilius in remarks on the European Space Act (ESA) and the EU’s new Vision for the Space Economy, is not mere rhetoric. The global space sector is projected to grow exponentially, with the Draghi report suggesting it could surpass €1.5 trillion by 2035 (from €500 billion in 2023), reshaping not just defence and telecommunications, but climate monitoring, precision agriculture, finance, and mobility. Accordingly, space is no longer just a frontier of exploration, but an economic engine and critical infrastructure layer central to modern civilisation. 

When EU officials travel to countries with politically sensitive contexts such as Serbia and Georgia, these are not mere ceremonial gestures. Rather, these official visits are essential for grasping the realities on the ground.

The brutal war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine is not just a distant geopolitical event; it impacts our everyday choices here in Europe. Each time we purchase products from companies still operating in Russia, we unknowingly support helpers of a regime responsible for devastating human suffering. This reality presents a difficult but essential question: Can European consumers really make a difference? 

As the EU grapples with new enlargement rounds, including Ukraine and the Western Balkans, the experience of Bulgaria and Romania offers valuable lessons. It proves that with the right support and determination, integration can work—not just for Western Europe, but for the entire continent.