Looking at the many challenges that keep coming our way, and especially since 2025, I looked for an overview hence the WEF report. Also, I was interested in what we as Europe are actually doing or preparing to counter those challenges.

There are many ciritical points yet that could turn everything around. But basically, if I were to identify a big hurdle, then that would be our need for political will & unity. Our European Political Landscape is very divided. Honestly, I've become maybe so accustomed to that, that I forgot to acknowledge it's importance.

According to WEF report:

● So far, this year has been marked by significant global shifts, including increased geopolitical instability, the accelerating impact of AI and a changing labour market.

● Economic factors like new US tariffs are redrawing trade maps, while the energy transition shows progress and gender gaps persist.

● These seven charts from World Economic Forum reports help illustrate the inflection points this year.

The EU agenda 2024-2029 has 3 priorities:

1. A free and democratic Europe: upholding European values within the EU ; living up to EU values at global level

2. A strong and secure Europe:
   ensuring coherent and influential external action, strengthening EU security and defence, and protecting EU citizens; preparing for a bigger and stronger Union; pursuing a comprehensive approach to migration and border management

3. A prosperous and competitive Europe
   bolstering the EU’s competitiveness
   making a success of the green and digital transitions; promoting an innovation- and business-friendly environment; advancing together

Event: EU's Competitiveness Compass

● closing the innovation gap with the EU's main competitors
● linking decarbonisation and competitiveness
● reducing dependencies and increasing security

Event: upcoming new Digital Euro 2026 ?

In conclusion, I hope that our unity prevails , but many sacrifices are needed. Above all else, we must face them together, or if we fail, we'll lose our future. We should also guard our core values , our way of life concerning equality, democracy and fair competition . Though these issues atm still needs addressing and work, we mustn't back slide.