A conversation on economic security

On 23 October the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics hosted an event to launch the essay ‘European economic statecraft in search of a future’ authored by BIG’s co-director Hans Kribbe. It is the first paper in a series on economic security.

Geopolitics increasingly drives economic policy-making. While China and the United States unrepentantly deploy their economic clout for strategic purposes, the European Union hesitates. Acknowledging new economic security risks, the EU is developing a toolbox of policy instruments. But we also need a strategic debate about the underlying goals and reasons.

Do we still believe in defending the multilateral order? Is there space for an autonomous European economic statecraft? And can we actually talk about these issues?

This event aimed to engage participants in a vital discussion on the future of economic security in Europe, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue.

Following the author's presentation, the guest speakers offered their comments:

• Ambassador Michael Clauß, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the European Union
• Nathalie Errard, Senior Vice-President, Head of Europe and NATO Affairs at Airbus
• Bruno Maçães, Author and Former Portuguese State Secretary for European Affairs
• Jim Cloos, Former Director-General for General and Institutional Policy, Council of the European Union

The session was moderated by Paola Tamma, EU correspondent for The Financial Times.