The global trading system faces its most serious disruption since the post-war Bretton Woods consensus. In the aftermath of the Trump-era protectionist wave, which saw the imposition of universal tariffs and the erosion of global trade norms, Europe must pivot decisively toward self-reliance. This white paper outlines a policy roadmap to develop a fully integrated European Free Trade Market for goods and services, eliminate internal barriers, and stimulate long-term growth through strategic public investments in energy, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing. The paper draws on public demographic data and economic indicators to support a post-austerity investment strategy. The 2025 economic landscape presents not simply a challenge but a diversifying opportunity. The paper argues that Europe can be repositioned as an innovator of sustainable and advanced economic models by integrating historical and recent data and policy proposals to aid in charting a comprehensive strategy that would lead to economic command. Moreover, the strategy outlined throughout the paper aims to enhance the internal demand within the EU (European Union) as well as advancing technological leadership and regulatory unification, thus, aiming towards strategic autonomy. Through the implementation of a tailored strategy and prioritising investments such as its demographic diversity, renewable energy initiative and digital infrastructure advancements the EU can reinforce its influence on a global scale and maintain a sustainable growth to its economy despite the new Trump-era tariffs and global economic challenges.
Bragagni et al. (Tue,) studied this question.