It is time for Europe to weaponise its chokepoints
Financial Times
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Europe has long been a key player in global supply chains, but its ability to leverage critical chokepoints—strategic bottlenecks in trade routes, logistics hubs, and infrastructure—has often been underutilized compared to other regions like Asia. China, for instance, has mastered the art of using these chokepoints as tools of economic and political influence, employing them to secure favorable terms, disrupt competitors, or stabilize markets during crises. Now, Europe is being urged to adopt a similar approach, weaponizing its own chokepoints to gain strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive global economy.
The concept of "weaponizing" supply chains involves identifying and controlling critical nodes that are essential for the movement of goods, services, and resources. For Europe, this could include leveraging its dominance over key transportation routes, such as the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal, or exerting influence over major ports, shipping lanes, and energy pipelines. By doing so, the EU could not only protect its own interests but also assert greater control over global trade dynamics. This approach would require a coordinated effort to map out these chokepoints, assess their vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to exploit them for strategic gain.
The significance of this shift lies in its potential to redefine Europe's role in international business and geopolitics. By weaponizing its chokepoints,
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Financial Times on 2/22/2026