In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations podcast, Ivan Vejvoda hosts Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, for a deep discussion on the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency for Europe. They explore how Europe has adjusted—or failed to adjust—since Trump’s initial term, focusing on key challenges in trade, defense, and foreign policy. Balfour outlines the vulnerabilities Trump’s policies exploit, including Europe's dependence on the U.S. for security and energy and its fragmented approach to strategic autonomy. The conversation transitions to broader themes of European Union dynamics, from its struggle with internal reforms to balancing technocratic governance with democratic accountability. Balfour reflects on the stagnation in EU integration and how internal divisions undermine its global standing. The discussion also highlights the geopolitical challenges presented by Ukraine, Russia, and the EU’s enlargement ambitions, offering cautious optimism about Europe's ability to adapt to these pressures over time. Ending on a hopeful note, the episode underscores the importance of leadership and unity in navigating the turbulent geopolitical landscape. Despite grim short-term prospects, Balfour expresses confidence in Europe’s resilience and creativity to address the challenges ahead, urging collaboration between policymakers, civil society, and the public sphere.
Discussion Highlights:
Dr. Rosa Balfour is the director of Carnegie Europe, specializing in European politics, institutions, and foreign and security policy. Her current research examines the interplay between domestic politics and Europe's global role.
Dr. Balfour has an extensive publication record, including books, research articles, and opinion pieces in international media outlets such as the Washington Post, the Financial Times, The Guardian, and El País. Her work often addresses European politics and international relations, focusing on regions like the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, as well as topics like EU enlargement and democracy support.
In addition to her role at Carnegie Europe, Dr. Balfour serves as an advisor to Women in International Security Brussels (WIIS-Brussels) and is an associate fellow at LSE IDEAS. She is also an honorary patron of the University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES) and was appointed to the Scientific Advisory Council of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs in 2024.
Prior to joining Carnegie Europe, Dr. Balfour was a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and directed the Europe in the World program at the European Policy Centre in Brussels. She has also conducted research in Rome and London. Her academic credentials include an MA in history from Cambridge University, and both an MSc in European Studies and a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Dr. Balfour was a 2018/19 Europe's Futures Fellow of the IWM and ERSTE Foundation.