In the latest episode of The Ring, two members of the European Parliament squared off on a question that has become urgent as global alliances fracture: can Europe transform itself into an independent global power, and what would that require?
Germany's Damian Boeselager, representing Volt Europe and caucusing with the Greens, and Austria's Helmut Brandstätter from Renew Europe, discussed the implications of the European Political Community's first meeting in the South Caucasus last week. The gathering in Armenia underscored how the continent's geographical, political, and strategic contours are stretching in response to global instability.
A key driver of that instability is the escalating trade tension with the United States. Donald Trump's threat of a 25% tariff on European cars has left Brussels scrambling to salvage a fragile transatlantic deal negotiated last summer. As Washington's reliability wavers, the EU is increasingly seen as a pole that others — from Canada to the United Kingdom, from Iceland to the Balkans — may want to join, align with, or orbit around.
Deeper Integration or Broader Alliances?
Both MEPs agreed that Europe must respond to external pressure with closer cooperation. They discussed strengthening democratic resilience inside and outside the EU, improving military capacity, and reinforcing economic competitiveness. But they also welcomed the participation of non-European countries in the EPC conference, notably Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the EPC delegates, declaring his determination to build a new network of trade and diplomatic alliances after the loss of US markets under Trump. Carney's presence also signalled Western support for democracy in Armenia as it seeks to distance itself from Russia, at a time when Washington's approach to Moscow's opponents — such as Ukraine — remains ambiguous.
Canadian diplomats have rejected suggestions that Ottawa might seek EU membership, but both Boeselager and Brandstätter expressed support for the idea. Brandstätter noted Canada's blend of British political traditions and French culture, as well as its large community of German immigrants, as natural affinities with Europe.
The debate comes amid broader shifts in global power dynamics. As middle powers forge new alliances and trade corridors are reshaped by crises like the Hormuz Strait disruption, Europe's ability to act cohesively is under scrutiny. The MEPs' discussion highlighted the tension between deepening integration among the 27 member states and widening the circle to include like-minded partners beyond the EU's borders.
This episode of The Ring was anchored by Stefan Grobe, produced by Luis Albertos and Amaia Echevarria, and edited by Vassilis Glynos.
