At the end of May, 2025, REMIT researchers, Maastricht University members Siyuan (Amber) Qiao and Sophie Vanhoonacker took part in the European Union of International Affairs Conference in Brussels. In panel no 300, Amber was in charge of presenting a paper, with Sophie having the responsibility of chairing. Below, you will find Amber’s reflection of the event and her research.
The EUIA Conference is a major forum for academics and policymakers to debate the role of the EU in addressing global challenges. On 21st May, I had the opportunity to present at one of the EUIA panels: Into the Crossfire: The role of the EU in an Era of Renewed Great Power Competition organized by Ivan Zaccagnini and Domenico Farinelli.
My presentation, titled The Strategic Role of the Digital Euro – From Technical Hesitation to Strategic Prioritization, examined why and how the EU shifted from a cautious stance to a sense of strategic urgency regarding the Digital Euro. By employing the ACF, the paper traced the transformation of the Digital Euro from a primarily technical financial innovation to a strategic instrument aimed at reinforcing the EU’s monetary sovereignty and autonomy. This shift was catalyzed by external shocks, notably the announcement of the Libra project, and further shaped by intensifying geopolitical competition.
Using the ACF and preliminary discourse analysis, I identified a change in the dominant policy core beliefs within the EU policy subsystem. The initial stability-first orientation, driven by technological uncertainty, gave way to a growing consensus that a Digital Euro is essential to safeguard the EU’s monetary sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Based on the 2023 European Parliament plenary debate on the Digital Euro, the analysis revealed clear discursive coalitions, with the protection of privacy remaining a central and contested issue across different advocacy groups.
Dr. Gustavo G. Müller, the panel discussant, provided insightful feedback, encouraging the integration of broader theoretical perspectives into the study. His comments sparked further reflection on the layered nature of external influences shaping EU digital currency policy. In addition, discussions with Professor Sophie Vanhoonacker helped refine the research design, especially regarding the inclusion of primary documents from key EU member states.
Presenting at EUIA was an invaluable opportunity to refine my arguments and engage with diverse scholarly perspectives. The conference showcased a growing academic interest in the geopolitical dimensions of EU policymaking. These discussions offered fresh insights that will shape the future direction of my research.
