Highlights
Featured
Lessons for the West: Russia’s military failures in Ukraine
Ukraine has proven that it can counter Russian military tactics and strategy. To continue to do so, the country will require greater support from the West.
The next war: How Russian hybrid aggression could threaten Moldova
Russia could target Moldova by embarking on a limited-scope but overt military invasion – or by pursuing more covert hybrid aggression scenarios. Moldova and the EU need to embrace “active resilience” to address this.
Hedge politics: Turkey’s search for balance in the Middle East
Ankara is trying to normalise its relationships with Middle Eastern governments. The EU needs to adjust to the new Turkey that is emerging from this process.
Clear and president danger: Democracy and the constitution in Tunisia
Tunisia’s new constitution would create an unaccountable presidency. European policymakers should state that it is not genuinely democratic, while continuing to support the country economically.
Recent events
8 Jul
27 Jun
8 Jul
27 Jun
Podcasts
Another world is possible: The transformative power of political imagination
Geoff Mulgan and Mark Leonard discuss how to restore political imagination and harness creativity to solve current and future problems
Featured projects
European Sovereignty
To prosper and maintain their independence in a world of geopolitical competition, the EU needs to learn to think like a geopolitical power
Featured
Re:shape Global Europe
The project strives to engage citizens across Europe and generate a wide debate about the purpose of European power in the twenty-first century
Featured
Public opinion polling
Through polling in EU member states, ECFR’s analysis seeks to unlock shifting coalitions in Europe that favour a more internationally engaged union
Featured
Latest
Turn of phrase: Germany’s Zeitenwende
Scholz’s Zeitenwende speech was widely viewed as a major adjustment to Germany’s foreign and security policy. But, six months on, it is unclear whether the country is up to the task.
Our top 5 podcast episodes of 2022 (so far…)
In August, ECFR is having a short break from our World in 30 Minutes podcast, so we’re taking the opportunity to sit back and look – or listen – over the past six months
Democratic deterrence: Why Europeans should challenge China’s narrative on Taiwan
Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is no deviation from established protocols as China claims. Rather, it is a sign of a fundamental change in lawmakers’ ability to support democracy.
Power of need: Energy security in the Western Balkans
Western Balkans states need to join the EU’s energy transition. They can do so in several ways.
Truss versus Sunak: The foreign policy of Britain’s next prime minister
The early debates between candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak lack any recognition of how Britain’s biggest foreign policy challenges relate to one another
Demand swerve: Lavrov in Africa
By making new offers of partnership to African countries, Russia is setting a trap for the West
On both issues Putin holds enormous leverage over Erdogan
Even if the agreement is signed tomorrow, there will be no immediate rush to Iran
Even if the deal is signed tomorrow, there will be no immediate gold rush to Iran
Everyone ought to be a bit careful when talking about drawing parallels and talking about another war in the Balkans
Engjellushe Morina is interviewed on Across the Balkans on the tensions between Kosovo and Serbia
More on Africa
Trading aims: The value of Africa’s deep integration trade agreement
Africa’s new trade agreement promises deep economic integration on the continent – and offers the opportunity for greater African-European cooperation, including on the role trade can play in the green and digital transitions
More on Asia
A question of balance: India and Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Europeans have found India’s position on the Ukraine war frustrating. But, although it is dependent on Russia for its arms, and has huge worries about China, India is actually moving inexorably closer to the West.
More on European Power
Iron net: Digital repression in the Middle East and North Africa
Governments across the world have powerful digital tools to control and repress their populations. The EU should treat this as an urgent security and political concern.
More on Middle East and North Africa
Early warning: How Iraq can adapt to climate change
Climate change is increasing the strain on Iraqi society and public services. Despite this, the country’s political figures are overlooking the huge benefits that climate investment would bring.
More on Wider Europe
Partnership for Enlargement: A new way to integrate Ukraine and the EU’s eastern neighbourhood
Russia’s war on Ukraine means the EU must devise a new approach to its neighbourhood. It should establish a Partnership for Enlargement that offers Ukraine and other states concrete steps towards deeper integration.
Views from the Council
The case for a confederal Europe
The EU should ensure that all willing and able European democracies have a clear and realistic path to membership or an alternative form of cooperation. Europe’s future depends on it.