Question

What external actor is most important to the EU?

Answer 1

There are many external factors important for EU, however, the most important factor in my view is international trade.

EU has the world's second largest economy in the world worth $16 trillion. Participation of the country in international trade is important for the prosperity of the union as a whole and the world in general. Most of the nations in the bloc are relatively smaller in population and economy when compared to countries like China and the US. The bloc is ageing in population, and it is important for the Union to keep its influence, politically as well as economically, intact.

If the Union and its members have to stay in relevance economically as well as politically, the Union must exhibit strength in trade with the world.

If the Union can sustain and increase its trade with other countries around the world, it will continue to be as relevant as it is now.