Europe: playing the technological trump card

Europe under pressure: Geopolitics is changing the playing field

Donald Trump’s re-election as US president has put Europe on edge. The US is pulling out of international treaties, putting pressure on Europe’s future. The risks to our defence and economy are obvious. But one crucial factor gets too little attention: technology.

The US and China are both playing the global power game on their own terms. The US, for example, has used its military power to strong effect. Europe relies partly on that support, though it’s now unclear what NATO membership is really worth. China’s role in raw materials and manufacturing gives it a firm grip on global supply chains. Both countries know exactly how to exploit their position on the world stage.

The hidden power of European innovation

But Europe has cards to play too. We have unique expertise and technology the world needs. Think of Dutch innovations in water management, desalination techniques in Spain and advanced irrigation technologies in Italy. Norway leads in CO2 storage, and Wageningen in agriculture and climate adaptation.

With this knowledge, Europe can create interdependence, not just compete. While the US and China dominate through arms sales and cheap manufacturing, we can stand out as an indispensable partner in solutions for climate change, food security and sustainable technology.

The end of naivety: Technology as a geopolitical weapon

We have the technology. But until we use it as leverage, we’re not really in the game. The US and China can make strategic decisions quickly. For a fragmented Europe, that’s much harder. So Europe urgently needs closer collaboration and more central coordination. Europe must also stop naively playing by ‘civilised’ rules and face the realities of global competition. The US and China have long used economic power and technology as geopolitical weapons, often outside the rules of open markets and a level playing field. Europe’s commitment to these ideals leaves it vulnerable.

Securing a strong position through continued development

It’s time to shake off our goody two-shoes image, starting with how we protect our technology. By making patents cheaper and easier to obtain, for example through subsidies or discounts for European applicants, the EU can strengthen its innovative core and become more competitive. Take Dutch horticulture: when Alibaba founder Jack Ma toured Dutch greenhouses in 2021, it showed how important strong protection against copying is. With a smart patent policy, Europe can not only protect its technologies but also strengthen its position as an innovation superpower.

If Europe fails to act now, it will stay vulnerable to superpowers that already use their strengths as weapons. Let’s be bold and put our innovative strength to work. That’s how we enter the power game, even if Trump cuts further ties with Europe.