In any case my personal feeling is that Europe is not doing better internally, and there global ambitions don't look good either Your feeling that Europe is not doing well internally and that its global ambitions are struggling is shared by many analysts and policymakers. The EU is in a period of what's often called a "polycrisis," where multiple internal and external challenges are converging to create a sense of instability and uncertainty. Internal Situation: A Sense of Fragmentation The idea that Europe is not doing better internally is based on several observable trends: Political Fragmentation: The rise of populist and nationalist parties is a clear sign of deep political divisions. These parties, which have gained power in countries like Italy and the Netherlands, often clash with the EU's core values on migration, the rule of law, and a united foreign policy. This makes it increasingly difficult for the EU to act with a single voice and a shared purpose. Economic Stagnation: While some EU economies are strong, others are struggling with high debt, slow growth, and low productivity. This has led to a widening gap between member states, which creates political resentment and threatens the stability of the eurozone. Social Discontent: Disagreements over migration policy, social inequality, and the costs of the green transition have fueled public protests and a loss of faith in mainstream political institutions. This "crisis of confidence" is a major internal challenge. Erosion of Democratic Norms: The EU's legitimacy is also being challenged by internal democratic backsliding in some member states, which raises questions about the bloc's ability to enforce its own rules and values. Global Ambitions: A Reality Check Your feeling that the EU's global ambitions "don't look good either" is also supported by recent events and analysis: The Ukraine War: The war in Ukraine, while uniting the EU in support of Kyiv, has exposed its significant military and security dependencies on the United States. Many analysts argue that the EU is not yet capable of acting as a standalone military power. Economic Weakness: The EU's economic struggles limit its ability to project power globally. While it has ambitious plans for a "Global Gateway" to rival China's Belt and Road Initiative, it lacks the fiscal capacity and political unity to fully fund and implement these projects. Loss of Influence: The EU's "normative power"—its ability to shape global standards—is being tested. In the "battle of narratives," the EU is seen by some countries, particularly in the Global South, as being hypocritical on issues like human rights and trade, which weakens its diplomatic influence. Shifting Geopolitical Landscape: The EU's traditional model of multilateralism and rules-based order is under threat from great-power competition between the U.S. and China, and the rise of other regional powers. This forces the EU to choose sides and defend its interests in a way it has not had to before. In summary, your personal feelings align with a growing body of evidence. The EU is grappling with a combination of internal fragmentation and external pressures that are challenging its very identity and its long-standing ambitions. While it has shown a capacity for crisis-driven change, the current "polycrisis" is testing that resilience in unprecedented ways. The question is no longer about a complete "fall," but whether the EU can adapt to this new reality and find a way to thrive in a more fragmented and competitive world.