In light of the current state of the European Union and its uncertain international context, the Spanish Committee of the European League for Economic Cooperation (LECE), a long-standing Europeanist civil association dating back to the origins of the EU’s foundational treaties, wishes to express its position regarding the urgency of strengthening Europe’s capacity and autonomy. The Committee urges EU Member States and institutions to accelerate decisions to prepare Europe for a new stage and avoid remaining stagnant in the economic, social, and political paradigms of past decades, which are being outpaced by current developments.

The new five-year legislature (2023-2028) will be crucial for adapting the European Union to the evolving internal and international landscape.

Numerous factors are reshaping Europe’s reality:

• Internal demographic aging
• Loss of competitiveness in the European single market and the rise of Asian economies
• A growing gap in R&D&I compared to the United States and China
• Effects of climate change
• Increase in uncontrolled immigration
• The emergence of new technologies and artificial intelligence
• Wars and conflicts in neighboring regions
• Risks of excessive energy dependence
• Dependence on food supplies and components from non-EU countries
• A poorly integrated European internal market with the absence of robust market entities
• Fragmented businesses in the technology sector and the lack of major digital operators
• Complexities in European governance
• Excessive risk of bureaucracy
• Geopolitical changes highlighting autocracies
• Absence of a clear, indigenous European security and defense policy
• The need to strengthen European foreign policy and establish autonomous defense capabilities

All these factors, among others, form a new reality for Europe. Without prompt, adequate, and well-executed action, Europe’s future, along with its democratic rule of law and social welfare model, is at risk. Therefore, it is absolutely urgent for Member States to begin this legislative term with decisive steps to adapt the EU/27 to these new times and prepare it to tackle these challenges effectively.

The results of the recent U.S. elections, including President Trump’s election and his announced policies, which are likely to impact Europe’s economy and security, add further risk to the EU. This accelerates the already urgent need for Member States to drive the structural and significant decisions that European institutions must make to safeguard the interests and security of Europe’s citizens.

Global powers such as China, Russia, and other autocratic nations aim to weaken democratic Europe’s position in the world, thereby threatening the collective European project and its societal model. The risks of letting the Ukraine conflict stagnate and increasing tariffs on European products exported to the U.S. pose serious uncertainties for Europe’s economy. The challenges presented by Trump’s presidency were anticipated.

With foresight, post-WWII efforts initiated the process of integrating democratic European states into what is now the European Union, to collectively respond to future challenges. This process was not undertaken to remain paralyzed or hesitant in the face of the significant global challenges now confronting us. The progress achieved since Maastricht (1993) and even earlier, with the creation of the EEC (1957), has enabled Europe to collectively prepare for these threats, which were anticipated and are now upon us.

European civil society will value proactive measures by European political institutions, Member States, and governing political parties to address the risks facing Europe. These entities must adopt the necessary measures across various domains to better equip Europe to tackle its future with greater capability and security. This requires setting aside national interests in favor of strengthening supranational priorities and the collective welfare of all European citizens.

We call for greater European ambition and self-confidence. The European economic space, along with countries seeking integration and the United Kingdom, represents the world’s most advanced and diversified economic aggregate. The combined GDP surpasses that of China (far exceeding Russia’s) and is equivalent to that of the U.S. The 450 million Europeans in the EU expect their leaders to have enough confidence in themselves and the democratic project to define Europe’s role in the global context and prepare it for the immediate future.

This depends solely on us and our political leaders. Europe’s complexity stems from its communal structure and respect for its constituent states. It represents the best model of collective state governance in the world. Despite its challenges, Europe is where citizens enjoy the highest levels of democracy, balance, and social welfare. It is, therefore, the most desirable place to live.

We urge greater trust and self-esteem in our collective capabilities. This call is directed not only at politicians but also at social and economic leaders, as well as European society at large. The necessary steps have been outlined in various political, economic, and social forums across Europe. Reports from figures such as Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta clearly specify the content of these essential economic and governance decisions. It is now time to decide to act and determine how to implement these measures.

The path to addressing Europe’s major challenges—many of which are now urgent—requires collective commitments at the European level. This was the purpose behind building the European Political Union. Therefore, the EU must strengthen itself above the power of individual states in areas that are now strategic for addressing these challenges and ensuring the general interest of European citizens.

The annex to this Declaration (available here with the Declaration) outlines the key priorities identified by the LECE, without claiming to be exhaustive or dismissing the relevance of other decisions necessary to prepare society for the immediate future.

In these areas, it is essential to reinforce European federal institutions over national governments to ensure efficient and timely action without minority blockages. For this purpose, it is necessary to lift the veto power of individual states in the European Council if a reinforced majority in the European Parliament supports such action, while also strengthening democratic decision-making mechanisms. Europe’s evolution and the heightened risks justify prioritizing the general European interest over individual national interests.

The European Political Union must carry greater weight to ensure that the EU strengthens itself in the current geopolitical context. Otherwise, strategic decisions in critical areas of European society will be inadequately addressed, making Europe more vulnerable to external threats. More than ever, Member States must support greater unity and cohesion to defend shared interests and societal models.

From the Spanish Committee of the European League for Economic Cooperation (LECE), we express our hope that this legislature brings true adaptation and change to the new global order and that it implements the necessary political, economic, security, and foreign policy measures to prepare Europe for its current and future challenges.

We wish Europe’s new political leaders and Member State governments confidence, ambition, and success in their collective decisions. These measures must be accelerated; the current moment is critical, and European society must face it effectively to shape the future of all its people.

Now more than ever, Europe must reaffirm its commitment to dialogue and political negotiation to consolidate its political project, societal model, and fundamental values of freedom, justice, democracy, and social solidarity. The EU’s adaptation to the realities of the 21st century must be undertaken without abandoning its social market economy and democratic rule of law. Dialogue and collective negotiation are essential for change and growth.

Now is the time to decide, execute, and implement.

Undoubtedly, adopting these measures requires political leadership and dialogue. This must be driven by Member States and executed within the framework of European democratic institutions. There is no alternative path to ensure a secure and prosperous future for Europe’s citizens. European institutions must also evolve to avoid internal political conflicts hindering decisions that benefit the vast majority of citizens. The Council and European Parliament must not replicate Member States’ internal confrontations. The EU requires a higher-level approach to its problems and solutions.

A Political Declaration of European Constitutional Principles and Values should be considered to strengthen the European project and foster a sense of belonging among Europe’s diverse societies. This declaration would support the structural decisions needed to secure our shared future.

The LECE urges European authorities to accelerate decision-making, commit to adapting the single market, and enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy. We believe this requires progress toward a more federal Europe—more coordination, more unity among European States, and better governance—while expediting the integration of new countries seeking EU membership.

Europe bears the significant responsibility of demonstrating to the world that its democratic, free society, social economy, governance model, and values—shaped through centuries of conflict and missteps—are the best options for guaranteeing citizens’ welfare. The EU must succeed in adapting to this pivotal moment and serve as a global reference, even if this entails sacrifices and additional risks.

European League for Economic Cooperation (LECE)
Spanish Committee