Editorial: La Vanguardia

• The elections in the 27 members of the European Union are vital for the future of the European project, facing challenges such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the development of the Green Agenda, and the energy transition.
• Polls predict a rise of the European far-right, which might shift the balance in the European Parliament and influence issues such as immigration and environment.
• The next term needs to consolidate a European defense strategy, considering Russian aggression and the need to guarantee EU security.
• The EU faces the challenge of reforming its single market, unifying electricity and energy markets, and maintaining its competitiveness against the United States and China.
• Expansion to the east represents another challenge, seeking to incorporate Ukraine, and nine more countries, but requiring prior internal EU reforms.
• Strategic autonomy is key for a less dependent Europe in terms of defense, security, and energy access.
• The electoral campaign mostly reflects the internal political dynamics of each country, sidelining the debate on the European project.

Conclusion: The European Union is facing a decisive juncture, having to tackle significant challenges and needing to propel a solid project that supports its future and revives its identity amidst increasingly polarized politics.

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