Based on the publication Risks and Prospects for Europe, a collection of papers from the Thirteenth International Scientific Conference of the European Studies Department at Sofia University, the central focus is on how the European Union can navigate a period of profound geopolitical, economic, technological and democratic challenges while strengthening its resilience and strategic autonomy. The volume brings together scholars and policy experts to examine the EU’s response to war, geopolitical competition, economic uncertainty, democratic pressures, digital transformation and future enlargement. 

The book argues that Europe stands at a pivotal moment. Faced with external threats, global power shifts and growing demands for strategic independence, the EU must reinforce its capacity to protect its security, prosperity and democratic values. The contributions explore key policy areas including strategic autonomy, defence cooperation, economic governance, digital regulation, democratic resilience and the future of enlargement, highlighting both the risks confronting Europe and the opportunities for deeper integration and political maturity. 

A recurring theme throughout the volume is that Europe’s future strength will depend on its ability to combine resilience with openness, maintain democratic legitimacy while adapting to technological change, and continue using enlargement and neighbourhood policies as tools for stability and transformation. The authors assess how the EU can preserve its founding values while responding effectively to a more fragmented and competitive international environment. 

Ultimately, Risks and Prospects for Europe offers a forward-looking assessment of the challenges shaping the Union’s next decade and presents a roadmap for reinforcing the EU’s role as a resilient, democratic and influential global actor.