Europe is changing rapidly, but Britain risks missing out. The EU's eastward enlargement, the spread of liberal economic thinking and the demise of the old federalist ideology have strengthened Britain's position. The authors argue that Gordon Brown should seize this opportunity and team up with other European leaders to build a more effective and open EU. Many of the new challenges facing Britain – climate change, migration, international terrorism, instability in the Middle East, energy insecurity, a resurgent Russia and the rise of Asia's economic giants – also confront the whole continent. So the best way for Gordon Brown to enhance Britain's prosperity and security is to work closely with his European partners.

Charles Grant is director of the Centre for European Reform. Hugo Brady is a research fellow. Simon Tilford is head of the business unit and Aurore Wanlin was a research fellow.

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European choices for Gordon Brown
article and review of 'European choices for Gordon Brown', EurActiv, 6 July 2007