ETVT EU is now a superpower

Question 1

sections

Answer 1

economy
geo
structural power

Question 2

for- economy

Answer 2

Economic Power
The EU is the second-largest economic bloc, accounting for ~15% of global GDP.
It is the largest trading partner for over 80 countries.
Through trade deals like CETA (with Canada) and the EU–South Korea FTA, it boosts member state exports and global influence.
The EU sets global regulatory standards through policies like the GDPR, influencing countries like Japan and Brazil.
In 2024, it imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs (7.8%–35.3%), protecting EU industry.
EU countries like Germany and Denmark are leaders in green technology exports and innovation.

Question 3

agaisnt- economy

Answer 3

The EU is caught between the US and China, who have unified industrial strategies like the Inflation Reduction Act and Made in China 2025.
The EU lacks a central industrial strategy due to internal divisions and rules on state aid.
Germany’s automotive sector is being outcompeted by Chinese EVs.
The US–China trade war disrupts EU economies (e.g., Germany and Italy), showing its vulnerability.

Question 4

geo- for

Answer 4

The EU is a leading donor of development aid, providing over €80 billion annually.
It has influenced human rights globally, e.g., pressuring Bangladesh after the Rana Plaza disaster.
It is pushing for greater defence cooperation through PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation).
The EU took a strong stance after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with sanctions and military/humanitarian aid.

Question 5

geo- against

Answer 5

The EU lacks a centralised military force and depends on NATO/US for defence.
It failed to respond effectively in crises like the Balkans (1990s) — NATO intervened instead.
In the Ukraine conflict, the EU’s role is mostly economic/supportive, not military.
Foreign policy is fragmented: for example, EU members were split on the Iraq War.
Macron promotes “strategic autonomy”, but Eastern states prefer US alignment, limiting a unified geopolitical stance.

Question 6

structural for

Answer 6

The EU uses its economic size to set global rules — the “Brussels Effect” — affecting global standards on the environment, food safety, and data.
It plays a major role in IGOs like the WTO, G7, G20, IMF, and WHO.
The EU was key in shaping the Paris Climate Accord, pushing for binding 1.5°C targets.
Collectively, the EU gives small states more global influence than they would have alone.

Question 7

structural against

Answer 7

The EU’s power is undermined by internal divisions, especially since the 2008 financial crisis.
Populist governments (e.g., Hungary, Poland) oppose EU-wide policies (e.g., on migration or China).
Hungary joined the Belt and Road Initiative, while others resisted Chinese influence.
Brexit reduced the EU’s economic and geopolitical weight.
The EU struggles to enforce its own rules — e.g., Italy breached the 3% deficit rule in 2019 with no strong consequences.