In 2023，Europe experienced new changes both internally and externally. Economically，impacted by factors such as high inflation，high interest rates，and high government debt，the European economy stagnated，with downward pressure unabated. Politically，economic recession raised dissatisfaction among the population due to deteriorating living standards，challenging the capabilities and credibility of mainstream political parties，while far-right forces rebounded strongly. Internationally，Europe faced two regional conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Palestine. It oscillated between its positioning within the “Transatlantic” and “Eurasian” spheres，hoping to both consolidate its position in the US-led liberal world order and deepen cooperation with China to shape itself as a significant pole in a multipolar world. To tackle the challenging situation，the EU designated “economic security” as a policy focal point in 2023，reopening the Eastern enlargement process，seeking to integrate Ukraine and Balkan countries into the EU to mitigate geopolitical risks，binding closer with the United States，seeking paths to resolve regional conflicts，and pushing for “de-risking” towards China. Europe’s economy is projected to achieve a moderate rebound in 2024，but under the policy of “de-risking，” the prospects for economic recovery remain unclear. Consequently，Europe entering an election year might face significant political reshuffling. Against the backdrop of internal political turbulence and the possibility of the US withdrawing from the Russia-Ukraine conflict，the EU can only find a way out of its crisis and revitalize global leadership by firmly asserting “strategic autonomy” and engaging with China.