Revisiting the EU Industrial Autonomy Trilemma

In addressing the EU's contemporary chal- lenges, this analysis acknowledges a critical intersection between the imperatives of se- curity, sustainability, and industrial auton- omy. The EU undertakes substantial efforts in these domains. The rapidly shifting glob- al context, its considerable volatility, and emerging trends render any immediate as- sessment of recent policy initiatives prema- ture. However, this dynamic and uncertain landscape underscores the limitations of conventional forecasting and necessitates an ongoing reassessment of the EU's strate- gic priorities. Central to this discourse is the policy ‘trilemma' confronting the Union: the need to simultaneously uphold security, fos-ter sustainability, and maintain the focus on competitiveness. In this sense, industrial au- tonomy refers to the EU's strategic capacity to reinforce its industrial base and supply chains in key sectors, adapting swiftly to global eco- nomic and geopolitical shifts. This chapter explores these issues and proposes coherent changes in approach, all within the frame- work of an EU policy trilemma focusing on security, sustainability, and competitiveness.