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2021 Strategic Foresight Report: Enhancing the EU’s long-term capacity and freedom to act

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The Commission has today adopted its second annual Strategic Foresight Report – 'The EU’s capacity and freedom to act', presenting a forward-looking, multidisciplinary perspective on the EU’s open strategic autonomy in a more multipolar and contested global order. The Commission identifies four main global trends, affecting the EU’s capacity and freedom to act: climate change and other environmental challenges; digital hyperconnectivity and technological transformation; pressure on democracy and values; and shifts in the global order and demography. It also sets out 10 key areas of action where the EU can seize opportunities for its global leadership and open strategic autonomy.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “European citizens experience almost on a daily basis that global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation have a direct impact on their personal lives. We all feel that our democracy and European values are being put into question, both externally and internally, or that Europe needs to adapt its foreign policy due to a changing global order. Early and better information about such trends will help us tackle such important issues in time and steer our Union in a positive direction.”

Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, in charge of interinstitutional relations and foresight, said: “While we cannot know what the future holds, a better understanding of key megatrends, uncertainties and opportunities will enhance the EU’s long-term capacity and freedom to act. This Strategic Foresight Report therefore looks into four megatrends with a major impact on the EU, and identifies ten areas of action in order to boost our open strategic autonomy and cement our global leadership towards 2050. The pandemic has only strengthened the case for ambitious strategic choices today and this report will help us keep an eye on the ball.”

Read the full report here, a press release here and a Q&A here.  

Follow the College read-out with Vice President Šefčovič live on EbS.

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