From Fragmentation to Unity: l’union fait la force

It has become clear that we no longer live in an era in which unrestricted global trade was considered as an unquestionable cornerstone of a liberal, open world. Protectionist tendencies have re-emerged across the globe, particularly in some of the world’s largest economies. In this new reality, the European Union must, in my opinion, strike a delicate balance between two objectives: achieving strategic autonomy and remaining a fair and reliable trade partner.

Pursuing strategic autonomy is vital for reducing dependence on geopolitically sensitive supply chains and ensuring that the European Union can continue to act in accordance with its own governing principles. Building a truly resilient internal market — one that is both integrated and innovative — will be essential to achieving a sufficient level of autonomy. Yet this concept of strategic autonomy should not be mistaken for isolationism. It rather represents the capacity to act independently and assertively whenever Europe’s economic or security interests are at risk. This is particularly relevant in critical sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and digital technologies, where vulnerabilities are increasingly translating into strategic risks.

At the same time, the EU must continue to present itself as a reliable, forward-looking, and fair trade partner. Europe’s credibility in global trade depends not only on its economic strength, but also on its reputation as a principled and reliable partner. This is particularly pertinent at a time when the leaders of some of the world's most powerful nations favour realpolitik over a consistent approach. Openness and fairness, however, must go hand in hand with firmness. The Union should be equipped with effective defensive and coercive instruments that allow it to act decisively when confronted with unfair trade practices.

Crucially, none of this will be possible without an unprecedented level of unity and cooperation among the Member States. A divided Europe cannot be a credible global actor. This is precisely where law students and the next generation more broadly come into play. The challenge for young lawyers and students goes beyond understanding the European Union and its legal framework; it lies in shaping a shared European consciousness. In an increasingly polarized society, our task is to bridge national divides and internalize what it truly means to act as Europeans on the global stage. That very transformation starts with us, the next generation of European citizens, who can champion a European perspective that prioritizes cooperation over competition and solidarity over fragmentation. By doing so, we can help build an EU trade policy that reflects not only Europe’s interests but also its enduring values of freedom and fairness.