Europe’s foreign policy direction is in focus as policymakers join a live Euronews debate at the European Ideas Forum in Brussels.
As shifting alliances, geopolitical tensions and emerging security threats reshape the international order, Europe faces a defining choice: react to events or assert itself as a strategic global player.
On December 9, Euronews will bring together policymakers, diplomatic advisers and foreign policy specialists for a live debate in the heart of Brussels, as part of the European Ideas Forum 2025 organised by the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies (WMCES).
The session — “Geopolitics, Foreign Affairs, and Transatlantic Relations: Shaping a Distinct European Role” — will examine how Europe can respond to mounting pressures while maintaining cooperation with global partners and staying aligned with its values of democracy, human rights and sustainable development.
Moderated by Euronews Chief Anchor Méabh Mc Mahon, the panel will feature high-level guest speakers:
- Željana Zovko, MEP (EPP)
- Janusz Lewandowski, MEP (EPP)
- Bruno Lete, Defence Policy Director & Diplomatic Advisor, Belgian Ministry of Defence
- Ian Lesser, Vice President, German Marshall Fund
Focus on strategic autonomy
The Euronews debate takes place at a critical moment for Europe, as war on the continent, global market competition and shifting alliances challenge long-standing assumptions about the EU’s influence in defence, diplomacy and global governance.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has accelerated efforts to reinforce multilateral defence cooperation and reduce reliance on external security guarantees. At the same time, the EU is navigating a complex relationship with major world powers, including China, which is both a major trading partner and a systemic rival.
Tied to these challenges, the bloc also has the task of shielding critical supply chains and supporting innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and clean technology to stay competitive. How Europe funds these ambitions – as well as how far member states are willing to pool resources and align priorities – remains central to the political debate.
Transatlantic relations under scrutiny
The conversation is also set to examine the future of Europe’s partnership with the United States, with guest perspectives heralding from both sides of the Atlantic.
Transatlantic cooperation has historically underpinned European security and economic resilience, but political shifts in Washington have raised questions about long-term predictability. As global politics evolve, challenges linked to trade rules, industrial policy and approaches to global governance are given further scrutiny.
The panel will examine how Europe can strengthen transatlantic cooperation while developing a coherent foreign policy of its own, particularly on defence, global stability and emerging threats. The debate will also consider how European societies can support these efforts, with audience questions giving opportunities to discuss transparency, EU priorities and the social impact of policy decisions.
Live from Brussels
Hosted at the Renaissance Hotel, Brussels, at 18:00 CET on December 9, the debate will be broadcast in front of an audience and livestreamed globally for online viewers.
As Europe navigates an era of fractured alliances and new centres of power, the conversation on stage will provide timely perspectives on how the Union can remain an influential partner — rather than becoming a pawn – in global geopolitics.
The debate is part of a wider partnership between Euronews and Martens Centre, aiming to explore major policy issues shaping the continent’s future.
For insight into the broader mission of the European Ideas Forum (9-10 December 2025), visit the EIF 25 homepage.