Setting the scene for alternative futures for European Union's foreign policy 2025

The purpose of this collection is to provide a footing for charting the course of policy actions relating to EÚs future role in the world by a comprehensive and systematic analysis of driving forces that will shape the relations between the European Union and its neighbours as well as strategic partners. The included papers offer a far-reaching overview of the EÚs external relations in 2025 and allow conclusions to be drawn that can inspire the shaping of its foreign and security policy. The premise of the special issue is the assumption that only by proactively facing challenges ahead, will the European Union have a chance maintain its impact on the global order. Thus, this collection aims at making a contribution to define EU's future-oriented interests and to tackle the question of how these interests can be reconciled with values that the Union attempts to project and protect.