In 2024，Europe sought a path to autonomy between crisis and transformation. Amidst the backdrop of a global economic recovery，the European economy showed signs of improvement，with inflation，interest rates，and debt cooling overall，and global trade gradually rebounding. However，geopolitical tensions and global trade conflicts posed external challenges to Europe’s economic development. Economic disparities among EU member states became more pronounced，and structural tensions persisted. Following the European Parliament elections and multiple national elections，European politics underwent accelerated fragmentation and realignment，with the rise of right-wing forces exacerbating political fragmentation. In terms of foreign affairs，the ongoing Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine conflict had significant spillover effects，exerting considerable pressure on the EU. Meanwhile，the U.S. presidential election heightened tensions in transatlantic relations，triggering new adjustments and shifts in major power relations.After the European Parliament elections，the EU formed a new leadership team，setting economic competitiveness and defense capability enhancement as key governance priorities while constructing a firewall against far-right forces to ensure the stability of mainstream political leadership. Against the backdrop of Trump’s return to office and deepening U.S.-EU rifts，the EU’s development in 2025 remains highly uncertain. A potential U.S.-EU tariff war could further deteriorate Europe’s external environment，while soaring defense expenditures would place additional economic burdens on member states. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations. Upholding the original aspirations，building on past achievements，and deepening cooperation with China represent crucial avenues for the EU to explore an autonomous development path.