Berlin Foreign Policy Forum 2025 | The Future of European Cohesion
Europe’s external influence is deeply tied to its internal cohesion. So how can fragmentation be countered in the face of international competition and growing challenges to democracy?
United Within, Stronger Beyond? The Future of European Cohesion
Europe’s ability to act on the global stage depends on its cohesion at home. Yet internal disunity, rising populism, and diverging national priorities increasingly test the continent’s capacity to respond to external challenges. Amid geopolitical competition and challenges to democratic norms, Europe’s external credibility and power are intrinsically linked to its internal cohesion and political resilience. How can Europe overcome internal divides while maintaining public trust and democratic legitimacy. What strategies are needed to counter fragmentation and safeguard unity? And how can stronger cohesion enhance Europe’s ability to meet security, economic, and diplomatic challenges beyond its borders?
Tristan Aureau, Director, Centre for Analysis, Planning and Strategy, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, French Republic; Munich Young Leader 2025
Anton Hofreiter, MP and Chairman, Committee on European Union Affairs, German Bundestag, Berlin
Nathalie Tocci, Director, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Rome
Halyna Yanchenko, MP, Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine, Kyiv
Moderator: Alisa Vogt, Programmleiterin Internationale Politik, Körber-Stiftung, Berlin
