Europe’s upcoming election confronts global challenges like conflict, migration, and famine, emphasizing the need for proactive foreign policy solutions.
Political experts often say that local issues matter most in politics. But the upcoming European election will challenge this idea. While there’s local unhappiness with ruling parties, issues like conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, migration, and rising prices affect everyone. Thinking that only local solutions are enough is a luxury. Now, foreign policy is not just optional; it’s essential.
In the past five years, problems once contained within countries now affect Europe too. European citizens need a global approach to issues like health, economy, and environment.
European leaders must understand that global issues affect Europe too. Ignoring them hurts Europe’s safety and wealth. America’s political situation should alert Europe. Even with President Biden, the US faces challenges. Europe has shown it can respond well to big crises. For example, it tackled the financial crisis and COVID-19 effectively.
Europe is at its best when it acts united and principled, like when it helped Ukrainian refugees in February 2022. The European election should show Europe’s strengths, not its weaknesses. The European Humanitarian Forum next week can help unite people and prove Europe can solve problems.
According to the International Rescue Committee, most of the world’s humanitarian needs are in just 20 countries. These places face conflict, climate change, and poverty, forcing millions from their homes. As the EU starts a new five-year term, it must discuss new ideas for the future. The IRC’s report highlights four areas that need fresh thinking.
Firstly, there’s a crisis in peace-making, like in Sudan, where the conflict is getting worse faster than diplomacy can keep up. Millions need help, and neighbouring countries are struggling with refugees. Secondly, there’s famine. While farmers protest in Europe, 45 million young children worldwide suffer from severe malnutrition. This causes tension between rich and poor nations.
Therefore, the EU needs effective solutions for pressing issues. One solution is using Ready-to-Use-Therapeutic-Food to combat childhood malnutrition, backed by the Movement Against Malnutrition.
Another issue is asylum and migration. The EU’s current approach, relying on deals with other countries, isn’t working. Instead, legal pathways are needed to ensure safety and stability.
Lastly, global challenges require suitable global institutions. Organizations like the IMF and World Bank need reform to better aid conflict-affected regions, where many of the world’s poorest live. European people advocate for aid that focuses on people. By involving civil society, not just governments, the EU can make aid delivery more efficient and effective. This approach can address various needs, from vaccinations to education and women’s empowerment.
The upcoming European Parliament election will demonstrate Europe’s diversity and changing power dynamics. Europe must also engage with shifts in global power dynamics.
