Europe: A delirious summer. But with some signs of hope

It has been a devastating summer for Europe, failing to be either united or decisive in the ongoing dynamics. The much-vaunted "European path" is not only not in sight, but appears to be receding from the horizon.

President von der Leyen must now contend with growing protests within and outside the Commission. Things had already been difficult in mid-July with the presentation of the 2028-2034 budget. Then, at the end of July, the tariff agreement with Trump proved highly disadvantageous for the EU. Not only does it not appear to stabilize trade relations between the two sides of the Atlantic, which account for 30% of global trade in goods and 44% of services, but a few weeks later, Trump threatened harsh retaliation if Europe did not guarantee the required volume of purchases of weapons, energy, and American products and if it did not break down all barriers in European digital legislation, thereby encroaching on European sovereignty. Nor does it appear that the US guarantee for European security and support for Ukraine, which seemed to be the real reason for the lack of genuine negotiations, has stabilized, rather than surrendering to the demands of an increasingly disillusioned ally. Then the "peace" summit in Alaska between Trump and Putin proved to be a resounding failure, which only allowed Putin to see the brutality of force recognized. If things didn't go worse, it's only thanks to the rebuffing of European leaders before and after the summit, alongside Zelensky. But the outcome was an increase in Russian bombing across Ukraine, hybrid warfare, and a new about-face by Trump, who reverts to his "Let them deal with it" attitude. Europe held firm here, but is incapable of taking truly autonomous action for itself, for Ukraine, or for a just peace.

And then we come to the increasingly devastating conflict in the Middle East, the new phase of the war of occupation and deportation announced in Gaza, while the illegitimate expansion of settlements in the West Bank continues. While the entire world, including large segments of Israeli civil society, is mobilizing to oppose Netanyahu's insane plan, Europe continues to fail to find a solution, at least on sanctions, the revision of free trade agreements, and the blockade of military exports, much less to assume any role beyond empty declarations.

In conclusion, the summit in Beijing—convened around Eleven, with Putin and Modi, the leaders of all Asian countries except Japan—marks a decisive step towards a different international "order." In this summer in which nothing has stopped; indeed, the pessimism of reason continues to seek reasons for hope. Beyond the action of the Churches, not least the initiatives undertaken by the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) and the Jewish and Muslim authorities in Italy, there is civil society. Despite its biases, it seems the only one stubbornly trying to save Europe's soul. Such is the Global Sumud Flotilla, which recently set sail to break the blockade imposed by Israeli authorities and bring humanitarian aid to the exhausted population of Gaza. Such is the pilgrimage to Srebenica, Mostar, and Sarajevo, organized at the end of October by FOCSIV, on the thirtieth anniversary of the Srebenica massacre: 25 Christians and 25 Muslims to affirm that only through shared memory can we build a future.

And finally, the Jubilee of Hope in Ukraine from October 1st to 5th. Let us not give in to the depression of events (and the quagmire imposed by many governments) and continue to fight for a Europe that becomes a global player in a true agenda of hope.


Luca Jahier
NP August-September 2025

The Jubilee of Hope in Ukraine was launched by the European Movement for Nonviolent Action (www.projectmean.it) together with Catholic Action, Focolare Movement, MASCI, AGESCI, and mayors of several Italian cities. At the invitation of the Nuncio to Kiev, the Jubilee of Hope is being held in collaboration with various local Ukrainian organizations and institutions gathered in the Ukrainian Self-Government Congress, as well as religious leaders, major universities, business, workers, and third-sector associations. The Jubilee of Hope also aims to be a practical demonstration of the need for the typical actions of the Civil Peace Corps in war zones and, at the same time, a request from the heart of Ukrainian civil society that the EU concretely establish them. I have personally chosen to participate in this latest Jubilee, along with about a hundred others who are willing to travel to stand with the Ukrainian people for a just peace and a shared European future.