by Radu Magdin*
The anniversary of 70 years since the Schuman Declaration has been a great moment for reflecting on European values and history. Taking stock of the past is a fruitful endeavor, but the question on everyone’s minds is whether Europe will survive its multitude of crises. Grandpa Schuman was ambitious and walked the talk, but also talked right. To remain relevant, Europe should bring together a new strategic approach and appropriate tools. An updated stratcom is a key part of this (re)alignment. While the EU will need to craft a new, updated, Security Strategy and an inspiring State of the Union speech, while videoconferencing in 2020 the Convention for the future of Europe, Brussels should stop complaining about infodemics and great power competition pressures and start acting and speaking like a great power. In the end, perception is projection, the EU will have to shape up or put up with the consequences.
Recently, foreign policy lead Borrell acknowledged the European naivete amid accusations of (self-)censorship as regards the Chinese. It sometimes happens for great powers to be wrong or too assertive. It almost never happens for them to be naive.They act rather than just complain about the infodemic. Venus should take a look at G.I. Jane in a world of Mars sharp powers. Although the discourse is slowly changing, Europe is still many miles away from understanding that the world in which it used to operate with ease is not there anymore. Lack of adaptation and inability to change are not good signs. In the end, to follow Darwin, it is not the strongest nor the most intelligent that survives, but the most adaptable to change. To inspire change, Brussels has to start speaking words that work in the new strategic reality rather than politely taking note that the world order was blown up by Covid-19.
As much as we might disagree with great power competition, ignoring this trend will not mean its disappearance. On the contrary – it will make us, the Europeans, more vulnerable. This is our zeitgeist, so let’s play it right. Let’s make use of our strategic assets, of soft power and of a renewed interest in hardcore security issues to prove wrong those who claim that Europe is too caught up in its own internal drama to set the tone in international affairs. Once fully embarking on this path, we have to stabilize our neighbourhood, to matter not only in terms of economic development assistance, but also in strategic terms.
Walking the talk also needs to be properly put into words and stories: in the end, power is not only about resources, but also about projection and perceptions. It is in Europe’s best interest to get rid of the image of a wobbly power. The EU needs a great power sounding stratcom, ranging from key words and soundbites to overhauling the EU communications apparatus. Europe is not bad at day-to-day communications; however, what Europe should focus on goes beyond “bureaucratic” communication and has to do with the ability of leaders and spokespersons to convey not only what the EU stands for, but also what are its interests, red lines, and what is ready to do when it is pushed around. Von den Leyen is a good communicator, but she needs the mandate to act even stronger; or, we should stop asking much of Brussels and accept the limitations of our project. A strategic great power positioning would allow going beyond the crisis communication, something that, for almost a decade, has been taking a lot of space. We, Europeans, are too reactive, at least in perception terms. The change in global political landscape should open up the possibility for a big-stake, forward-looking, confidence-inspiring communication.
Speaking of soundbites, a "Geopolitical Commission" arguing "strategic autonomy" and "Green Recovery" could use some power talk. Otherwise, Venus will be rich (although not clear for how long) but naive, and, in a crisis world, this means lack of engagement and neglect in neighboring capitals. Europe will continue to contribute massively to the economic development of others, but will have to put up with the US, Russia, and China competing in the global South and in its neighbourhood (if we take a look at Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership countries, this is already happening). Yes, Europe has a plethora of internal divisions and will have to deal with them as well. However, this should not mean that strategic aspects should be put on hold. The internal and external consolidations go hand in hand.
Insisting more on the broader picture and explaining why Europe is doing what is doing should happen more often. A mini State of the Union – as a mental framework – should be delivered with every major decision. Europe should push very strongly and openly against the attempts of others to buy European strategic assets or take advantage of its creativity. Against propaganda and misinformation, Europe should react strongly. Those who have constantly acted to undermine the European project should be ready to feel what retaliation looks like – one rooted in truth telling and democratic values. In its neighbourhood, the EU should stop being the nice guy who is the last on everyone’s party list despite being first on the donor list. Support should be coupled with a new form of conditionality, one that also includes strategic solidarity and cooperation. And an informal deal to respect each other’s image: too many leaders in power or opposition bash the EU in their countries while asking for Brussels’ money.
Some have laughed at China’s rudimentary narratives promoted in the international media in the context of the Covid-19 debacle. China will learn its lesson, and the reframing of its “wolf warrior” concept. But that is Beijing’s concern, if it wants and is willing to risk being viewed with the same disinformation suspicion like Moscow, particularly in a high-stake year, with the Leipzig summit this autumn. As regards Brussels, and its infodemic (in fact a continuity with variety of its disinformation) problem, Europe should use its superior communication capacity to get across its own stories, frames, and interests, and not wait for others to become better while it stays on the sidelines. In the global battle of ideas, Venus must talk right and then walk the talk to be respected and have a continued strong seat at the table.
*global analyst and former Prime Ministerial advisor in Romania and Moldova and he worked in Brussels 2007-2012
By: N. Peter Kramer
