Three months to shape Europe’s international role, with Paul Engel, Dirk Messner, Pierre Schori, published in Die Zeit, The Broker and openDemocracy

Decisions made over the next three months will shape Europe’s future international role. On the one hand, the script which drives global policy-making is being re-written, shaped by response to the financial crisis, climate change, and global security challenges. On the other hand, the institutions of the European Union are on the brink of radical overhaul – whether or not the Irish referendum on 2 October allows the Lisbon Treaty to be ratified. By January, we will have new institutions, new leaders and the outline of a new script. Will we also be optimistic about Europe as a progressive force?.............