Geopolitics in a tougher world: Europe, the Nordics, and the future of cooperation

Insights|December 22, 2025

During Roschier’s 20-year celebrations in Stockholm, we recently heard from a panel discussion on how today’s rapidly changing world impacts politics, business, and international cooperation. The conversation focused on how to find direction and clarity amid geopolitical uncertainty, social change, and technological disruption.

The panel addressed questions that are highly relevant for people working in international environments, including how to understand global developments, where to look for reliable signals in a noisy information landscape, and what kinds of alliances and frameworks can provide stability over time.

The discussion featured former Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström and former EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström. Drawing on their long experience in politics and international affairs, they described how the war in Ukraine and developments in the United States have challenged the post-1945 security order and weakened trust in traditional multilateral institutions.

Both speakers underlined that while the world has become more demanding, there are also important sources of resilience. They highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Nordic-Baltic region, where countries share strong democratic institutions, low levels of corruption, and similar values, now supported by a common security framework through NATO membership.

The panel also pointed to emerging coalitions in Europe and beyond, including cooperation in defense, trade, and support for Ukraine. These alliances, they noted, help preserve elements of the rules-based international order and are especially important for smaller states that depend on predictable and transparent global rules.

Looking ahead, the speakers envisioned a future in which Europe takes greater responsibility for its own security, deepens regional cooperation, and works to modernize international institutions to reflect contemporary realities. They also stressed that public support for the European Union remains strong in many member states, which provides a foundation for further integration and joint action.

The conversation ended with a more personal reflection. Asked what advice they would give their 17-year-old selves, the panelists emphasized not giving up, finding like-minded peers, accepting that mistakes are part of learning, and staying committed to contributing constructively in a complex world.

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