Strengths:

1. Economic Power: The EU is one of the world's largest economies, making it a significant
player in international trade and investment. Its economic clout provides it with leverage in
negotiations and can be used as a tool for diplomacy.

2. Soft Power: The EU is known for its promotion of values like democracy, human rights, and
the rule of law. Its soft power is influential in shaping international norms and attracting like-
minded partners.

3. Regional Integration: The EU's experience in regional integration, as seen in the success of
the European project, serves as a model for regional cooperation in other parts of the world.
This experience can be a valuable asset in international diplomacy.

4. Diplomatic Efforts: The EU has been actively involved in diplomatic initiatives, such as the
Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, demonstrating its
commitment to multilateralism.

5. Trade Agreements: The EU has been successful in negotiating trade agreements with various
countries and regions, further enhancing its role as a global economic player.

Limitations:

1. Fragmentation: The EU is made up of 27 member states with diverse interests and priorities.
Coordinating a common foreign policy can be challenging, and disagreements among
member states can hinder the EU's ability to act cohesively on the global stage.

2. Security and Defense: The EU's military capabilities remain underdeveloped, and it heavily
relies on NATO for defense. Achieving consensus on security and defense policies is a
persistent challenge.

3. Bilateral Relations: Member states often prioritize their national interests in their bilateral
relations with powerful countries like the United States, China, and Russia. This can
undermine the EU's ability to present a united front on important global issues.

4. Global Leadership Vacuum: The EU is seeking to become a more significant global actor at a
time when the world is experiencing a leadership vacuum due to shifting power dynamics.
The rise of China and the retreat of the United States from global leadership present
challenges for the EU's aspirations.

5. Migration and Populism: Internal challenges, such as the migration crisis and the rise of
populist movements, have diverted attention and resources away from external geopolitical
initiatives.

Conclusion:

The EU has the potential to become a more significant geopolitical actor, given its economic power,
soft power, and diplomatic experience. However, it also faces limitations, primarily stemming from
internal fragmentation, security and defense issues, and the changing global landscape. The EU's
capacity to act as a geopolitical actor will depend on its ability to overcome these limitations, speak
with a unified voice, and adapt to the evolving dynamics of international politics. While the EU has
made strides in this direction, it remains a work in progress.