Narrative Non-fiction · Hardback

A New Europe

Norwegian title: Et nytt Europa

Simen Ekern

"Europe must stand on its own two feet"—this is a sentiment often expressed today.

But which Europe is it that is to stand on its own two feet? Is it Macron and the defenders of liberal democracy? Or is it the European parties that hail Trump—those who aim to "make Europe great again"?

This book explores how Trump’s political allies in Europe have used the crises that have struck the continent in recent years as a catalyst for major political change. It covers the pandemic, climate disasters, the war in Ukraine, and the "Trump shock" in the United States—as well as the kind of Europe that might emerge in the wake of these dramatic shifts.

What becomes of Europe after having been locked down, flooded, invaded—and paralyzed by Donald Trump?

Reviews:

Ekern is a strong writer. He is present and asks good questions wherever possible, often putting them directly to key players or representatives of different political camps. As in all his books, he writes incisively and engagingly, with insight and often with humour, about some of the greatest challenges of our time. [...] It may be difficult to justify hope on Europe’s behalf in these times, but at least we can hope for more books about Europe by Simen Ekern.

Klassekampen

... This kind of journalism is more than a set of notebooks for historians. These are snapshots that time and again lead us towards insight, and they can set more long-term analyses in motion. This also applies to Ekern’s journalism. A skilled linguist, open-minded and transparent about his sources, Ekern reports from a continent in turmoil, to put it mildly. [...] Simen Ekern has given us yet another book that combines knowledge with empathy.Dag og Tid

Do you care about Europe’s future? Then there is no better choice than to read Ekern’s book.Morgenbladet

Simen Ekern is an experienced reporter. He was NRK’s Europe correspondent from 2020 until he joined Dagens Næringsliv as a commentator in 2025. His many conversations with politicians and experts, but also with “ordinary people” – a caretaker, a farmer, a beachgoer – bring the book to life. Anecdotes enliven the narrative, such as the way a Turk describes breathtaking naïveté: “Do you live in Norway, or what?” [...] Ekern provides a good, accessible overview of the many challenges facing Europe.Dagens Næringsliv