Europe
Internally Europe must stabilize, and externally it must show that it is capable of dealing with future challenges. To that end, the European Union needs new approaches to European social policy and to its role in the world -- efforts that are also needed in order to achieve new levels of legitimacy among its citizens. The EU's ability to provide cohesion to its half billion inhabitants must be promoted if its unity in diversity is not to begin crumbling. From social to international affairs, the "European project" is multifaceted and its future must be discussed openly, even if policymakers and the public are hesitant to do so.
Focus areas
Europe and the world
Compared to their peers worldwide, the EU member states are facing a number of new challenges. Moreover, the rise of new powers -- above all China and India -- are increasing international competition. While such changes offer a number of new opportunities, they are also increasing global tensions.
moreEurope and its citizens
The European Union is facing a number of key internal challenges. Following the largest expansion in its history, 27 countries must now strive to integrate their national structures and their citizens on a scale never seen before. The EU's governability will be measured in terms of its efficiency and transparency, as well as its democratic legitimacy -- issues that will play a significant role in the European elections scheduled for mid 2009.
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