Can Europe still compete with the US and China?

What the report says

Al Jazeera’s report says Europe is under mounting pressure as it tries to remain economically and strategically competitive with the United States and China. The piece frames the problem as one of long-running dependence: Europe has relied on the US for security and on China for inexpensive imports, but is now falling behind both powers in several areas.

According to the article, tensions with Washington are adding to the challenge. It points to disputes over tariffs, defence spending and Greenland as signs that the transatlantic relationship is becoming more strained. At the same time, Beijing’s influence remains significant because China dominates important supply chains and raw materials that European industry still needs.

The report notes that Europe’s position was also affected by last week’s meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, even though Europe was not represented at the talks. Their decisions, the article says, can still have direct consequences for the continent.

Al Jazeera argues that Europe is not without leverage, citing its single market of about 450 million consumers. But the article concludes that narrowing the competitiveness gap would require major reform and substantial investment, underscoring a broader debate about Europe’s future economic model and geopolitical autonomy.