On January 20, 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called for “a new form of European consciousness” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting energy, defense, and access to raw materials as areas of particular concern. While the goal of more European self-reliance and autonomy sounds desirable in theory, several fundamental questions arise about how it can be put into practice: How independent can Europe truly be in an era of unprecedented global integration? What does “European independence” mean in the context of the intensifying U.S.–China rivalry that is (re)shaping world politics in the 21st century? What political, economic, financial, and social costs might a more independent Europe entail?
To explore these and other pressing questions and think about the role Europe should play in the emerging new world order, distinguished experts on Europe’s relations with both the United States and China will join us for a panel discussion.