 "Europe should stop talking big words, move towards big actions: Netherlands' Ruben Brekelmans at Raisina Dialogue 2025")
Europe’s role on the global stage is undergoing a transformation. As a ‘new America’ emerges, shifting its focus to domestic priorities and unilateral strategies, Europe is reassessing its trajectory. The continent is investing in security, technology, and infrastructure to bolster its influence in an increasingly multipolar world. The key question remains: how can Europe redefine its strategic role while ensuring a balanced partnership with a changing United States?
Strengthening Europe’s strategic influence
The discussion at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 on Tuesday in New Delhi highlighted the urgency for Europe to step up as a decisive player in global affairs. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, emphasised that Europe must act with unity and resolve, particularly on the issue of Ukraine.
“Nothing on Ukraine without Ukraine,” Bettel asserted. “It cannot be that leaders sit around the table making decisions for Ukraine while it remains on the menu rather than at the discussion table.” He highlighted Europe’s historical lessons, drawing a parallel to World War II, when outside forces attempted to dictate the continent’s fate. He drew attention to the necessity of supporting Ukraine while maintaining a firm commitment to international rules.
Path toward a European defence framework
The necessity of reinforcing European defence cooperation was a major point of discussion. Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, championed the idea of a coalition of the willing, stressing the importance of flexible partnerships instead of waiting for consensus among all 27 EU member states.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“European countries should do more in terms of defence,” Brekelmans said. “We need to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions. A group of like-minded nations can accelerate defence capabilities by pooling resources and setting up joint production lines for essential military equipment.”
His remarks resonated with the ongoing EU discourse on increasing strategic autonomy. While collective defence under Nato remains crucial, a growing number of leaders acknowledge the necessity of Europe developing its own operational capabilities.
Economic sustainability amid defence expansion
Diego Martinez Belio, Spain’s State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs, addressed concerns regarding the financial strain of increased defence spending. He dismissed fears of excessive burden, framing it as a vital investment for the continent’s security.
“If a starving person is asked whether eating more food puts a strain on them, the answer is obvious,” Belío remarked. “Europe’s economy is ten times the size of Russia’s. If we are unable to increase our military spending slightly to counter a relatively smaller economy, then we have an existential problem.”
His statement aligned with the broader consensus that Europe’s economic strength allows for strategic defence expansion without undermining financial stability. Moreover, aligning investments in defence industries with technological innovation can stimulate economic growth rather than strain budgets.
Technological innovation: A cornerstone of Europe’s global standing
Beyond security and military strategy, technological prowess remains a pillar of Europe’s global influence. The panelists emphasised the need for Europe to harness its digital expertise and innovation capacity to remain competitive alongside the United States and China.
Bettel pointed to the success of European collaborative efforts in industries like aerospace, where multi-national cooperation has yielded world-class enterprises. “If we look at the success of Airbus, it is not a national company, but a European one—German, French, British and Spanish efforts combined. This model must be replicated across other strategic sectors,” he said.
Europe’s next steps: Unity, action and global leadership
The discussions at Raisina Dialogue 2025 highlighted a Europe determined to shape its own destiny. The overarching message was clear: unity and decisive action are paramount. Whether through bolstering defenxe capabilities, strengthening economic resilience, or spearheading technological advancements, Europe has the means to assert its leadership in a world undergoing rapid geopolitical shifts.
The continent’s commitment to security, economic stability and technological progress presents an opportunity to redefine its place in the global order—not as a passive player but as a force capable of shaping the future. The task ahead is not without challenges, but the direction is clear: Europe must act now and it must act together.
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