Will the EU even survive? Vital external and internal challenges ahead of the EU in the newly emerging world order

This paper departs from an assumption that the EU is an outstanding example of liberal institutionalism. It has been very successful in providing lasting peace for Europeans who are now facing a series of existential challenges.

The central hypothesis of this paper is that if these challenges are not addressed effectively, the EU may not survive in the long term.

The first part of the analysis explores five external challenges that affected the macroeconomic and political environments of the EU in the third decade of the 21st century.

The second part of the analysis signals five internal and more profound challenges the EU must face if it wants to continue in any viable form.

The author concludes that the future of the world order and, by extension, the environment of the EU will most likely be decided by three great powers: the US, China, and Russia.