The Gulf states have loudly condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza. But beneath the rhetoric – and amid unfolding regional escalation – many Gulf capitals are hesitant to put their national interests at risk
Tensions over Taiwan are likely to rise in the aftermath of this weekend’s election, regardless of who wins. The next president will seek closer ties with Europe, which will necessitate a more coherent and unified policy
Governments in Budapest, and now Bratislava, are treading a fine line of alignment with the West, showing their central European neighbours what they can get away with, and risking the credibility of EU foreign policy and values
The European Union’s decision to start accession talks with Ukraine represents a symbolic victory rather than a practical one. With Ukraine struggling to secure crucial aid, and its counter-offensive failing to achieve its objectives, it is time to redefine what constitutes a Ukrainian victory and a Russian defeat
The European Commission’s new support package for the Western Balkans could incentivise the reforms necessary both for EU membership and the green transition. But promoting climate action as a priority in the region will be far from straightforward
There are three steps EU leaders must urgently take to prepare themselves for the enlargement process – starting by suspending Hungary’s voting rights
From the Russia-Ukraine war to America and China, check out the most popular reads with ECFR this year
The politicisation of aid for Ukraine in the US and Europe, combined with the increasing war of attrition, is calling into question the West’s strategy for Ukraine. Kyiv’s allies need to update their strategy to enable Ukraine to push back against Russia’s aggression
Iran may not be directly behind the 7 October attacks on Israel, but Tehran has long worked to strengthen groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The broader dynamics within the Middle East have, in turn, limited these groups’ choices, prompting them to turn towards Iran for support
Just beyond the borders of the EU, the prisons of Belarus hold thousands of hostages of the Lukashenko regime. There is no magic formula for their release, but the EU can draw on international examples to save the lives of at least some of them