What kind of power does a sovereign Europe need — one capable of exerting influence in international affairs, defending the interests of European citizens, and serving as both a constructive and inspiring global actor?

What kind of power should those who believe in the rule of law and cooperation uphold in an increasingly chaotic world?

Context and Purpose

In a global context marked by geopolitical, technological, economic, and environmental upheaval, Europe must rethink its role and influence by engaging decision-makers, opinion leaders, and citizens alike.

The Europa Power Initiative — to be held in Strasbourg on 26–27 November 2025 under the auspices of the think tank EuropaNova — aims to lay the foundations for a modern, legitimate, and sustainable European power, grounded in sovereignty, the rule of law, and cooperation, and serving the nations and citizens of Europe in dialogue with the wider world.

The November 2025 edition will be the launch of an ongoing process and a dynamic network of leaders, experts, and citizens committed to shaping European policy and its future. The outcomes of this work will help initiate a continent-wide debate in the European Parliament, in national parliaments, in civil society, and across think tanks and media, creating an ongoing reflection on Europe’s place in the world.

Europe Can No Longer Avoid the Debate on Power and Sovereignty

In the decades following the Second World War, Europe was a source of inspiration — economically, socially, democratically, and culturally. It wielded significant economic power and often punched above its demographic weight in technological innovation and global influence.

Today, however, the resurgence of brute force in international relations, mounting geopolitical tensions, technological competition, and internal challenges to the democratic model underscore the erosion of this influence. Without a renewed and tangible vision of European power, the continent risks marginalisation and an inability to protect its citizens’ interests.

Europa Power: A Strategic Annual Meeting in Strasbourg

The Europa Power Initiative will put the question of power back at the heart of the European project, fostering openness, dialogue, and cooperation in light of the shifting global balance.

This inaugural event will gather European and international opinion leaders, experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, industrialists, artists, and citizens in a transdisciplinary and transgenerational setting. All participants will also take part as co-rapporteurs in the conversations, with open workshops designed to ensure that every voice can be heard and contribute to shaping the debate.

It will explore the broad directions Europe must take to address the challenges of the coming decades, while launching a global debate on the type of power the world needs to meet shared challenges — and on the place Europe should occupy within it.

Strasbourg — symbolic as a city of reconciliation, home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights — offers the ideal setting for such an initiative.The event will culminate in the Strasbourg Declaration, a collective message to all those who believe that law and cooperation must prevail over chaos and brute force, and who recognise that the emergence of a genuine European power is essential for meeting today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

Seven Key Pillars of European Power

1. Geopolitics — Transatlantic relations, ties with the Global South, European defence and security, alliances, and global governance.
2. Science & Technology — Ensuring Europe’s competitiveness and values in the age of AI and rapid innovation.
3. Economy & Finance — Growth, currency, strategic autonomy, fair trade, and resilience to industrial overcapacity and protectionism.
4. Commons — Safeguarding essential resources such as energy, climate, water, health, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
5. Culture — Creativity, emancipation, media, and cultural influence as tools of cohesion and soft power.
6. Democracy & Rule of Law — Protecting fundamental rights, the balance of powers, pluralism, and citizen participation.
7. Territories — The role of regions and cities in shaping and implementing European power.

Towards an Annual Reference Forum and Network

The Strasbourg 2025 launch will establish the Europa Power Network and Conference as a landmark gathering in Europe. It will serve as:

• A foundation for a recurring, authoritative debate on European power and sovereignty.
• A global forum for advancing the common good and contributing to global stability.
• A living network of co-founders and civil society actors committed to shaping European policy, strengthening Europe’s sovereignty, and responding to global challenges.

The next edition — the first full annual Europa Power Conference — will follow in November 2026, building on the reflections, commitments, and collaborative work initiated in Strasbourg.