Enrico Letta, former Italian Prime Minister, highlights Europe's dependence on the US, particularly in defense and technology. He emphasizes the need for greater European integration to counter this dependence.
Letta suggests strengthening the union of financial markets to bolster investment in key sectors like defense, technology, energy, and telecommunications. This would reduce reliance on the US and foster greater European competitiveness.
Letta expresses concern over the fragmented European defense industry, contrasting it with the scale of the US and Chinese markets. He stresses the need for a broad security approach, considering cyberattacks and satellite competition, and highlights the risk of a potential US military landing in Greenland.
Letta notes the shifting geopolitical landscape, including the impact of Donald Trump's policies and the rapidly changing relationship between the EU and the UK.
He also comments on the legacy of Pope Francis, emphasizing his role in making the Church a globally relevant institution, and discusses the upcoming papal election in the context of growing nationalism and fear in the world.