EU's Diplomatic Test: Can Europe Lead in a Shifting Global Order?
**As new actors try to make a name for themselves, the EU struggles to maintain its influence on the world stage.** The rise of the BRICS and other global South nations has brought new players to the fore. These countries champion different visions of world order and propose alternative ways of shaping it, says Gabriela Ciot, professor at the Faculty of European Studies at Babeş-Bolyai University in Romania.
**Gabriela Ciot, Professor at Babeş Bolyai University, Interview by Dan Horea, Radio Romania (in Romanian)**
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**Gabriela Ciot, Professor at Babeş Bolyai University, Interview by Dan Horea, Radio Romania (in Romanian)**
"We have a multitude of regional actors trying to increase their influence and power, because that's what's at stake in the reconfiguration of the international system. I think, for example, of Turkey or the Gulf state actors, like Saudi Arabia. This is shown by these state actors' attempts at mediation - I'm referring here to international mediation in the peace negotiations for Ukraine. This event will lead to a repositioning of international actors.
It's true that the growing influence of middle powers in international politics is reflected in their efforts to play a mediatory role outside their 'natural' spheres of influence. Turkey, for example, has facilitated the exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine.
**A Voice That's Heard**
Meanwhile, traditional mediators struggle to adapt to the complexity of a multipolar world. However, Andreas Marchetti, professor at the University of Paderborn and Sciences Po, argues that Europe can still play a mediatory and conciliatory role.
**Andreas Marchetti, Director of politglott and University Lecturer, Interview by Sina Wollgramm, AMS (in German)**
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**Andreas Marchetti, Director of politglott and University Lecturer, Interview by Sina Wollgramm, AMS (in German)**
"There's a strong demand for Europe to act as a mediator, to formulate compromise positions between antagonistic positions. And secondly, in the other direction, as a moderating power."
Bernardo Ivo Cruz, professor of International Law at Nova Law School in Portugal, agrees that the EU could play a role in facilitating exchange and dialogue between democratic countries.
**Bernardo Ivo Cruz, Lecturer at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Interview by Alexandre Neves, Radio Renascença (in Portuguese)**
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**Bernardo Ivo Cruz, Lecturer at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Interview by Alexandre Neves, Radio Renascença (in Portuguese)**
"If the European Union were able to organize the democracies of the world; to speak with Canada and Mexico, with other European states obviously, with Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, South Africa... These are democracies that are seeking to position themselves now that the United States is no longer the leader of, say, the 'free' world. This offers an interesting space for the EU to act as a pivot."
Now, as Europe finds itself at a pivotal moment to redefine its place in the world, these experts and observers believe it should strive to lead the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as the defense of a multilateral system based on shared norms and principles.
**Keep the Green Light**
The fight against climate change is another area where third countries can expect the European Union to play a leading role on the international stage, according to Jenny Raflik, international relations specialist at Nantes University (France). As the historic main contributor to climate change, it's only fair that the bloc assumes leadership in climate action.
**Jenny Raflik, Professor of Contemporary History at Nantes University, International Relations Specialist, Interview by Mathieu Loch, euRadio (in French)**
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**Load content**} **Euranet Plus Central Jenny Raflik, Professor of contemporary history at the University of Nantes, Specialist in international relations, ITV by Mathieu Loch, euRadio (in French) 3 "In a topic like climate change, there is a European identity, because Europe is the only entity that is truly bringing these debates to the international stage and wants to move forward. Perhaps there are also ways that allow the European Union to speak with one voice and show that it is united on certain issues. This could allow us to present a united front."
In fact, this week, the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, traveled to New York to convey this message. "The world can count on the continued leadership of the EU on climate," she **declared** at the 2025 UN Climate Summit.
The new world order that is taking shape will likely be characterized by the lesser influence of certain Western powers and the greater participation of Southern global countries. This is positive because it offers a more accurate reflection of the real world. However, it would be ideal if this took place in a system where leaders work together and share the same principles and objectives for the global well-being of citizens and future generations.
*This content has been translated with DeepL
**Author:** Hermine Donceel, Euranet Plus News Agency
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