ECFR’s summer entertainment list 2026
Whether you’re heading off on holiday or staying home this summer, ECFR’s entertainment recommendations—spanning books, podcasts and tv series—will help you reconnect with your internal and external wellbeing
Commentaries
The tragedy of “Westalgia”
Some European leaders seem to think that abasing themselves for Donald Trump’s pleasure is necessary to save NATO and keep the Western alliance alive. But by so desperately clinging to the good old days of the transatlantic relationship, Europe’s leaders are risking more than just their dignity
Down and out from Rabat to Cairo: The Iran war and North African instability
The war between the US and Iran is destabilising North African economies, putting an already fragile region at the very edge of polycrisis
The EU should ban all trade with Israeli settlements
It is high time the EU follow its own trade policy and ban trade of all goods and services from Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank
EU Incorporated: The way to start-up European competitiveness
With American competitiveness declining, the EU has a chance to offer tech start-ups something better. To create this new generation of EU Incs, the bloc will first need to better align its regulation and resources
Behind the curve: Britain’s defence investment plan in Trump’s world
The new defence investment plan is weighed down by the habits of Britain’s defence establishment. By contrast, the British public appear readier to accept change
Regional roots, global decisions: Andy Burnham’s foreign policy challenge
Andy Burnham, Britain’s likely next prime minister, is clear-eyed about his domestic political priorities. But, with the world order in flux, all eyes are on his foreign policy approach
Unconventional deterrence: How Europe can ward off a Russian attack
A nuclear deterrent does not preclude major war. Putin has learnt this lesson—now Europe needs to do the same
America’s “direct return” doctrine—and what it means for the world
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States is focused on doing business, at the expense of peace. There are ways for Europeans to acquire a veto over these destabilising activities; but the Trump administration may yet replicate this approach across the globe
Beyond Brexit—and back to Europe
Those who follow only intergovernmental negotiations or debates in the media might think that nothing has changed in the decade since the United Kingdom’s voters decided to leave the European Union. Yet new polling finds that large majorities on both sides of the English Channel now support re-engagement