Europe's Geopolitical Challenges and Opportunities

Europe is at risk of a rare-earths crunch due to its reliance on Chinese rare earths, which are crucial for various industries, including electric cars, wind turbines, and fighter jets. The European Union's rule-bound approach is being challenged by America's more muscular one in the global ores race. As America hosts a critical-minerals summit on February 4th, Europe must play to its strengths as a large market with stable rules to mitigate its dependency on China.

The European Union (EU) has signed a free-trade deal with India, a move seen as a significant development in the bloc's efforts to diversify its trade relationships amid rising protectionism. The agreement was announced at a summit in Delhi on January 27th, 2026, attended by EU's top officials, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa. The deal is perceived as a response to the changing global trade landscape, partly triggered by former US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies. The article highlights the significance of this agreement as a demonstration that 'also-rans' have options beyond the US and China.

The article discusses how Europe's long-lost empires continue to shape the continent today, particularly in the context of its military capabilities and integration. It highlights that despite the European Union (EU) having a large population and economic strength, it remains a geopolitical wallflower due to its fragmented military forces. The article references a 1952 treaty where founding members agreed to merge their armed forces under a single command, a plan that was never realized. It explores the implications of this missed opportunity on Europe's current geopolitical stance, especially in relation to Russian revanchism and fears of American abandonment. The piece also touches upon the original blueprint for European integration and how the decision to keep military matters under national control has resulted in 27 EU countries maintaining separate, smaller armies.