Europe Needs to Stand Up and Stand Out

Europe is one of the greatest projects ever built by people. A continent once defined by war chose cooperation. Division was replaced with dialogue. Borders became bridges. That is something to be proud of.

And yet, in today’s world, Europe too often feels like it is playing second fiddle—reacting to global events instead of shaping them, hesitating while others move decisively, and speaking softly in a world that increasingly rewards clarity and confidence.

This is not because Europe is weak. It is because Europe has forgotten how strong it actually is.

"We are European and We are proud"

Europe is home to 450 million people, the world’s largest single market, a cultural powerhouse, a scientific leader, and a global standard-setter in human rights, consumer protection, climate policy, and innovation. European values—democracy, fairness, solidarity, freedom—are admired across the world. When Europe leads, others follow.

But leadership requires more than values. It requires confidence, speed, and courage.

We are living in a fast-moving and increasingly dangerous world. Geopolitical tensions, economic competition, climate change, technological disruption, and security threats are accelerating. Other global powers are not waiting. They are setting agendas, defining narratives, and acting decisively in their own interests.

Europe cannot afford to be slow, vague, or wishy-washy.

Standing for cooperation does not mean avoiding strength. Believing in dialogue does not mean being passive. Supporting peace does not mean being unprepared.

Europe must stand up—for its people, its interests, and its future.

That means investing seriously in security and defense. It means backing European companies, innovation, and industry. It means protecting democratic values at home and abroad. It means speaking with one clear voice on the world stage. And it means moving faster when the moment demands it.

Just as importantly, Europe must stand out.

We should not try to copy other powers. Europe’s strength lies in being different. Our model—cooperation over domination, rules over chaos, solidarity over isolation—is not weakness. It is our competitive advantage in a world hungry for stability and trust.

But we must believe in it ourselves.