Académie Notre Europe #6 – An Industrial and Commercial Europe

Académie Notre Europe #6 – An Industrial and Commercial Europe

Date / Place : 19 March 2026, in Brussels.

Background:

For its sixth session, the 2025–2026 promotion of the Académie Notre Europe headed to the heart of the European capital for an exceptional immersion within the institutions of the European Union. On 20 March 2026, we explored how the European Parliament works, the role of parliamentary assistants, and some of the strategic issues shaping Europe today—particularly in the fields of energy, diplomacy, and trade. This trip took place in a particularly dynamic European context: ongoing debates on the energy transition, geopolitical tensions linked to Ukraine, and discussions around the Green Deal and renewable energy. It gave us a concrete sense of how legislative and diplomatic decisions impact citizens’ lives and the future of the continent.

Timeline:

The study trip began with a visit to the European Parliament, accompanied by Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Member of the European Parliament. Each MEP sits on several parliamentary committees. Thomas Pellerin-Carlin is a full member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). He spoke to us about the complexity of building majorities, especially at a time when traditional alliances are sometimes giving way to new configurations (notably between the EPP and the far right). On energy policy, he answered questions from the 2025–2026 cohort, including on nuclear power. He supports a case-by-case approach depending on each Member State. However, he stressed that the success of the energy transition will primarily depend on stepping up efforts in energy efficiency, sufficiency, and renewable energy. Looking ahead 10 to 20 years, he argued, the energy transition is also the best investment we can make. For instance, although electric vehicles may have a higher upfront cost, savings on fuel quickly make up the difference. Social leasing schemes and subsidised loans can accelerate the transition and should therefore be strengthened. Finally, he encouraged us to get involved—taking inspiration from Lena Schilling in Austria—reminding us that “appetite comes with eating.”

Our discussion with Gurvan Le Bras, Deputy Head of Unit in the Strategic Planning Division, shed light on the unique role of the EEAS—effectively the EU’s “foreign ministry,” established in 2010. Its mission is to facilitate discussions among the 27 Member States and feed coherent proposals to the High Representative. This coordination is all the more crucial as Europe faces an unprecedented “triangle of threats”: Russia’s military pressure on the continent, China’s systemic geopolitical challenge, and the gradual withdrawal of the United States. On this last point, Gurvan Le Bras shared his perspective on European strategic autonomy. While moving to qualified majority voting on defence remains complex—since each country is wary of losing its veto power—a fundamental shift is underway: the ability to act collectively without full unanimity. As seen in initiatives related to Ukraine or the Strait of Hormuz, the future may lie in “coalitions of the willing.”

The following session was with Édouard Bourcieu, Chief Economist at the European Commission’s DG Trade, which began with a striking observation: after twenty-five years of unfettered globalisation, geopolitics and the state are making a strong comeback in trade policy. Faced with Chinese overcapacity and American protectionism, the priority is to remain measured—stabilising relations with Washington while equipping the EU with tools to defend its interests, without fuelling a protectionist spiral. Despite some communication bias, Bourcieu reminded us that the EU remains a giant in global trade, accounting for 15% of world trade, ahead of the United States (13%) and China (13%). As the world’s leading exporter of goods and services and the main trading partner of 60 countries, the EU wields considerable influence. Contrary to predictions of disunity, the 27 Member States have managed to close ranks in the face of external pressure, sometimes displaying greater internal cohesion than the United States itself. This collective strength underpins what the Commission now calls “Europe’s moment of independence”—a determination to assert its sovereignty in a weakened multilateral system that urgently needs reform.

The cohort concluded this session with an immersion in the European think tank ecosystem, through the examples of the Jacques Delors-Friends of Europe Foundation, Friends of Europe and Europe Jacques Delors. These organisations aim to turn ideas into policy action around three core pillars: economic sovereignty through the Single Market 2028, collective security through increased defence spending, and the energy transition.

What is the Académie Notre Europe?

The Académie Notre Europe is the Jacques Delors Institute’s year-round youth programme, launched by Enrico Letta to provide a platform for learning, dialogue, and exchange on European affairs. Dedicated to young people aged 16 to 35, it draws on the Institute’s expertise and network of leading policymakers and academics to foster a deeper understanding of the European Union and strengthen active European citizenship.