During the latest European Council summit on Oct. 23, the leaders of the European Union's 27 member states debated the situation in Ukraine, efforts to enhance the bloc's defense capabilities and initiatives to make the EU economy more competitive and resilient in the face of growing economic nationalism and geopolitical volatility. As part of these discussions, the leaders explored ways to increase economic pressure on Russia, enhance protection against Russian aggression , and manage relations with an increasingly assertive China, especially as Beijing is tightening export controls on strategic minerals critical to Europe's economic development. These debates reflect a major shift in the global order in recent years. China and Russia have deepened cooperation in energy, trade, security and technology while becoming more hostile to Europe. These parallel (but not fully coordinated) challenges threaten Europe's import reliability, industrial competitiveness and defense policies.