Inspiration, Vision, Strategy
The best way to predict the
future is to create it
(Peter Drucker)
New book
in the spotlight
Superpower
Europe
What does the European Union mean to you? Unless you are an expert or insider, Brussels is far away, with large buildings and closed conclaves. But that anonymous European Union is in a state of revolution. In this book Marc De Vos describes how the climate crisis, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the end of globalisation, and the new cold war with China, have made the European Union the most important political force in Europe. He shows how the mission and identity of the European Union are transforming: from a European community into a geostrategic coalition of European and Eurasian countries, from a union of values into a union of power, and from a market project into a state project.
The EU is becoming a federal superpower in a new world order. However, this happens almost unnoticed, in response to external crises and above the heads of European citizens. This book exposes growing tensions within this new European Union: between values and interests, geography and geopolitics, democracy and technocracy, market and state, and European member states themselves. If its de facto transformation is not supported by a new political structure, a crisis of effectiveness and legitimacy is looming that could ultimately threaten the European Union itself.​
Reading Marc De Vos' highly topical book 'Superpower Europe' is a real gain for me. It is full of optimism and sympathy for Europe, which is confronted with a new and sometimes brutal geopolitical reality. With almost un-European directness and clarity, the author analyzes and names Europe's weaknesses, but also its undeniable strengths, which we talk about far too rarely. He does not stop at analysis, but gives well-founded concrete instructions on how Europe can assert itself in global competition. For all those who have Europe and its values at heart but do not shy away from the word hard power.“
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
An astute exploration of the EU’s evolution, masterfully dissecting its strategies, challenges and potential in a complex global order. Essential for understanding Europe’s dynamic role on the world stage.
Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Prime Minister of Italy
This book is important and insightful. Read it! Europe is at a crossroads in a fast-changing world. The proposals here for a multi-layered, defence-oriented, democratic, stronger and larger EU are compelling – and the UK must be part of it.
Sir Nick Harvey, former UK Defence Minister and CEO of the European Movement (UK)
A thorough and, above all, timely reflection on the future of the EU.
Rik Van Cauwelaert
A must for anyone who wants to gain in-depth insight into the ongoing rearrangement of power and powerlessness.
Frans Van Daele
Marc De Vos takes us through the growing pains of a Europe that is haphazardly but rapidly developing into a true Union, with every solution leading to more problems. When EU politics needs focus, superpower Europe shows the way forward.
Guy Verhofstadt, President of European Movement International, former Prime Minister of Belgium
Reflection on the future of Europe is more necessary than ever. As always, Marc De Vos colours and enriches the debate with his insights.
Johan Van Overtveldt, Member of the European Parliament and former Belgian Minister of Finance
Who is Marc ?
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I am a ‘doer-thinker’ at the crossroads of expertise, policy, society, and industry.
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I am a strategist. I am a student of history, of geopolitics and the major trends of our time. I connect these to the contemporary reality of organisations and businesses to help them renew themselves, so we can all contribute to making the world better.
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Labour market, HR, and the welfare state, are the bedrock of my academic activities. Globalisation and the European Union are my intellectual and professional habitat.
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I have had leadership roles at universities and in the think-tank world, in Europe and Australia. Ghent University is currently my academic home.
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I am fascinated by policy and politics. I am the co-CEO of the Itinera Institute think tank. I am an opinion contributor for domestic and international media outlets. I have a column in Trends magazine, the newspaper l’Echo and the opinion magazine EW.
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​I believe in the future, in our collective ability and duty to make it positive and ambitious together. Collaborating, connecting and partnering for impact, that makes me tick. Feel free to contact me for questions or suggestions.
Strategy Consultant Expert in European Affairs Labour Market Expert
Opinon Leader Professor Columnist
Author
