In a geopolitical landscape increasingly defined by a sharp interventionist turn from the new Trump Administration, Europe finds itself at a defining crossroads. Yet, rather than succumbing to the fragmentation of the world into spheres of influence, Europe has the opportunity to promote a new generation of strategic global partnerships to foster more international cooperation to address the existential challenges of our time. This was the heart of the message delivered by Maria João Rodrigues, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of Re-Imagine Europa, during her interventions at the AI House and the Leaders Forum’s events organized during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026.
Speaking on the panel “Science Diplomacy: Advancing International Cooperation through Research and Innovation “ of the Leaders Forum, Rodrigues articulated a vision where Europe’s strength is measured by its inclusive democracy and the breadth and resilience of its networks. “Digital sovereignty is an absolute imperative for the future of Europe, yet it must go hand-in-hand with deepened international cooperation”, she argued. “Europe must lead the way towards the future by building a new generation of strategic partnerships.”