Free trade or fortress Europe? The battle for the soul of the EU economy
Europe's economic DNA is changing, threatening global trade rules as we know them.
Deep Dive
European leaders are meeting to decide a historic economic pivot, debating whether to abandon decades of free-market policy for a more protectionist 'Fortress Europe' model. The urgent talks focus on shielding key industries, issuing joint debt, and reducing reliance on China and the US. This marks a potential fundamental shift from the bloc's foundational principles of open trade and global integration toward strategic sovereignty and defense.
Why It Matters
This policy shift could reshape global supply chains, trigger trade wars, and redefine Europe's role in the world economy.