The European Union
(EU) is at the centre of geopolitical tensions characterized by the war in
Ukraine, wavering security support from the US, tensions in the Middle East and
the IndoPacific, as well as climate, energy and trade concerns. This
geopolitical landscape requires the EU to act more effectively, coherently and
sustainably to finally become the global actor it aspires to be. This paper
introduces a Special Issue that analyses some of the most pressing challenges
the EU is facing, as well as pathways to overcome these hurdles and improve its
external engagement. After introducing the concepts underlying the analysis,
the paper presents the contributions to the Special Issue and suggests future
research areas that may aid the EU in overcoming its challenges as a global
actor.