The European Union (EU) enters 2026 facing numerous challenges stemming from the multi-layered crises of 2025: internal fractures, the burden of providing financial and military support to Ukraine, and security pressures, among others. With a number of major elections set to take place in 2026 — widely seen as shaping Europe’s geopolitical position — the bloc is placing greater emphasis on strengthening its internal resilience and strategic autonomy.

In 2025, strategic autonomy has become an urgent requirement for the European Union (EU) across multiple fields, from security and defence to economics, trade, and technology. Amid a world marked by volatility, the EU’s desire to reduce dependence, strengthen internal capacity, and enhance its standing is understandable. However, the path to autonomy is not an easy one, as a gap remains between ambition and actual capability.

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has just announced the European Union (EU)’s new budget proposal for the 2028–2034 period, with a total value of 2 trillion EUR.