These are uncertain times. Geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts, rising costs of living, growing
multidimensional inequalities, accelerating climate and biodiversity crises, security risks,
pandemics, rapid development of AI systems, risk of disinformation, political polarisation, migration
and an ageing society are causing uncertainty among the people, governments and businesses of
Europe.
This situation provides a complex puzzle for policy makers, who need to resolve urgent short and
long-term crises, while also alleviating societal concerns and uncertainty. The policies which are
needed to resolve these crises will depend crucially on the support of the people and businesses
in Europe. At the moment, the policy debate is shifting towards security and stability to reassure
various actors. It has also seen a growing focus on “competitiveness” as a core response to
geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. While competitiveness is an important pillar of a
vibrant economy, the people of Europe need to know “to what end?” these efficiency and
productivity policies are being proposed. Consistent with Article 3 of the Treaty of Europe, quoted
at the top of this page, this paper argues that wellbeing should be the overriding goal of European
policies.
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