Blueprints on the border: Germany’s Lithuania deployment may be Europe’s new template
By stationing troops in Lithuania, Germany sets a precedent that other European powers may soon be pressed to emulate
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The plus sides of pragmatism: How the EU can engage with South Korea’s new president
At first glance, South Korea’s next president will be less Western aligned than the last, emphasising pragmatism over value-alignment. To maintain strong ties with Seoul, Europeans will need to reframe their diplomatic approach
Brussels hold’em: European cards against Trumpian coercion
Faced with an aggressive United States, Europe has more leverage than it realises. Across trade, technology, infrastructure, finance and people-to-people relations it has ways of retaliating
Funding war, courting crisis: Why China’s support for Russia requires a European response
Russia is backing China’s claims to Taiwan in return for economic and trade support. Europeans need to understand the real cost of Beijing-Moscow cooperation
23
März
RSVP
European Power
The New Right: Anatomy of a Global Revolution
As European and German politics are being reshaped by electoral volatility, fragmented party systems, and the continued rise of populist forces, we are delighted to invite you to a public debate on “The New Right: Anatomy of a Global Revolution.” In the aftermath of the important regional elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, the debate…
A war with no winners: The costs of US-Israeli aggression on Iran
US and Israeli strikes on Iran have plunged the Middle East into wider war. Retaliation, regional entanglements and disrupted trade make one outcome clear: no side will achieve an easy victory
Suspicious minds: Why Europeans are considering their post-America nuclear options
With America’s credibility eroding, Europeans are looking for alternatives to US extended nuclear deterrence. Leaders should find confidence in electorate support for strengthening nuclear deterrence through European cooperation
Merz in Beijing: A chance to flip China’s „stability“ narrative
Merz’s trip is less a bilateral tour than a signal setting moment: his words and stance will influence whether Europe pivots to a more assertive China strategy or lets Beijing lock in a costly status quo
Beijing’s next bet: Why Europeans should care about biosolutions
Biosolutions help boost defence, resilience and competitiveness—and Europeans are leading the way. But they need to double down quickly to avoid yet another area of Chinese industrial dominance
Live from MSC 2026: Transatlantic turning point
Mark Leonard welcomes Jeremy Cliffe, Ulrike Franke, Janka Oertel and Majda Ruge live from the Munich Security Conference to unpack its biggest moments
After the rupture: Middle powers and the construction of new order
As American leadership wanes, middle powers are stitching a patchwork order through new approaches to conflict mediation, connectivity and development. Although these formats are fragmented and opportunistic, Europe should engage with them pragmatically
The fast and the forward: Takaichi landslide will unleash a bolder Japan
Sanae Takaichi’s supermajority victory will speed up Japan’s assertive policies on defence and economic security. For Europe, this makes Japan a more predictable partner—but it also adds pressure to match Tokyo’s new pace
Nuuk-lear standoff: Why the US and Europe should cooperate on missile defence in the Arctic
Greenland has long played a strategic role in Western defence and missile warning systems. Now Trump’s “Golden Dome” plan offers an opportunity for US-Europe cooperation to boost Arctic security and nuclear deterrence
Publikationen
After the rupture: Middle powers and the construction of new order
As American leadership wanes, middle powers are stitching a patchwork order through new approaches to conflict mediation, connectivity and development. Although these formats are fragmented and opportunistic, Europe should engage with them pragmatically
Harmattan hazards: How coastal west Africa can escape the Sahel’s fate
Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo face a double threat—from jihadists creeping south from the Sahel and coup plotters lurking within. As northern borders buckle, the region could slip into instability and away from Europe’s reach
Die Europawahl 2019: Wie Anti-Europäer Europa zerstören wollen und was man dagegen tun kan
Studie zeigt: antieuropäische Parteien gewinnen womöglich ein Drittel der Sitze im Europäischen Parlament, was eine Lähmung der EU zur Folge haben könnte
Kann Europa die Weltordnung retten?
In ihrem Policy Brief zeigen Mark Leonard und Anthony Dworkin Möglichkeiten auf, wie Europa auf die aktuellen Bedrohungen reagieren sollte
Wie Europa den Kampf um die normative Ordnung mit Russland gewinnt: Ein EU-Russland Power Audit
Die neue ECFR-Studie zeigt den Einfluss Russlands auf die 28 EU-Mitgliedstaaten und wie Europa damit umgehen sollte
Die neuen Konfliktlinien im Nahen Osten
Neue ECFR-Studie veranschaulicht die Konfliktdynamik im Nahen und Mittleren Ost
Die Zukunft der palästinensischen Politik: Abbas und darüber hinaus
Das interaktive Webprojekt „Mapping Palestine Politics“ des European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) präsentiert die verschiedenen Organisationen und Akteur
ECFR-Studie: Deutsche Jugendliche sind überraschend konservativ und ohne Vision für Europa
Dieser Bericht soll zeigen, wie junge deutsche Menschen zum europäischen Gedanken stehen
Frankreichs Führung in der europäischen Nahostpolitik
Neue Studie untersucht Frankreichs Außenpolitik im Nahen Osten und Nordafrika: Frankreich ist Vormacht in Nordafrika, Offensivmacht in der Golf-Region, und eine bewegliche Macht in Syrien und…
Der Charme falscher Versprechungen – Ein EU-Türkei Power Audit
Neue ECFR Studie zeigt die Wahrnehmung der Türkei in den 28 EU-Staaten
Artikel
Funding war, courting crisis: Why China’s support for Russia requires a European response
Russia is backing China’s claims to Taiwan in return for economic and trade support. Europeans need to understand the real cost of Beijing-Moscow cooperation
A war with no winners: The costs of US-Israeli aggression on Iran
US and Israeli strikes on Iran have plunged the Middle East into wider war. Retaliation, regional entanglements and disrupted trade make one outcome clear: no side will achieve an easy victory
Suspicious minds: Why Europeans are considering their post-America nuclear options
With America’s credibility eroding, Europeans are looking for alternatives to US extended nuclear deterrence. Leaders should find confidence in electorate support for strengthening nuclear deterrence through European cooperation
Merz in Beijing: A chance to flip China’s „stability“ narrative
Merz’s trip is less a bilateral tour than a signal setting moment: his words and stance will influence whether Europe pivots to a more assertive China strategy or lets Beijing lock in a costly status quo
Beijing’s next bet: Why Europeans should care about biosolutions
Biosolutions help boost defence, resilience and competitiveness—and Europeans are leading the way. But they need to double down quickly to avoid yet another area of Chinese industrial dominance
The fast and the forward: Takaichi landslide will unleash a bolder Japan
Sanae Takaichi’s supermajority victory will speed up Japan’s assertive policies on defence and economic security. For Europe, this makes Japan a more predictable partner—but it also adds pressure to match Tokyo’s new pace
Nuuk-lear standoff: Why the US and Europe should cooperate on missile defence in the Arctic
Greenland has long played a strategic role in Western defence and missile warning systems. Now Trump’s “Golden Dome” plan offers an opportunity for US-Europe cooperation to boost Arctic security and nuclear deterrence
Band of brothers: Why like-minded powers need to hold the line on China
Like-minded countries are starting to protect themselves from US unpredictability and Chinese dominance by forging new coalitions. This will only work if they limit their solo deals with Beijing
From summits to substance: Europe’s chance to meet Africa on its terms
Africa is awash with summits this year. If Europe wants to stand out, it must stay long after the photos have been taken
Disintegrated deterrence: What Trump’s National Defense Strategy means for Europe
Donald Trump has rolled out America’s stark new National Defense Strategy. Europeans need to be prepared to take control of their own defence future
Podcasts
Live from MSC 2026: Transatlantic turning point
Mark Leonard welcomes Jeremy Cliffe, Ulrike Franke, Janka Oertel and Majda Ruge live from the Munich Security Conference to unpack its biggest moments
The world in 2026
Mark Leonard welcomes Julien Barnes-Dacey, Jana Kobzová, Andrew Small and Alex Vines to discuss upcoming political changes in 2026
Made in China: How Europe can tackle economic coercion
Mark Leonard welcomes Tobias Gehrke and Andrew Small to discuss how Europeans can combat varieties of Chinese economic coercion
The future of European air defence
Mark Leonard welcomes Ulrike Franke to unpack the crisis around Europe’s Future Combat Air System
The EU’s enlargement reality check
Jessica Hendrick takes over The Neighbourhood to unpack what the EU’s 2025 Enlargement Package reveals about both Brussels’s expectations and life inside the candidate countries
Tariff tensions: Avoiding an EU-US trade war
Mark Leonard welcomes Tobias Gehrke to unpack the escalating EU-US trade war and Europe’s next moves
Border geopolitics: India and Pakistan revisited
In this week’s emergency podcast episode, Mark Leonard welcomes Andrew Small to discuss the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan
A new chapter in German politics
Mark Leonard welcomes Jeremy Cliffe and Jana Puglierin to discuss the inauguration of the new German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz
What’s next for Berlin?
Mark Leonard welcomes Jana Puglierin to unpack what Friedrich Merz’s rise to the chancellorship means for German politics—and for Europe
What comes next: European discord or European leadership?
The final episode of Searching for Deutschland—a special crossover with the World in 30 Minutes—sees experts from Berlin, London, Paris and Warsaw break down the…
Events
23
März
RSVP
European Power
The New Right: Anatomy of a Global Revolution
As European and German politics are being reshaped by electoral volatility, fragmented party systems, and the continued rise of populist forces, we are delighted to invite you to a public debate on “The New Right: Anatomy of a Global Revolution.” In the aftermath of the important regional elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, the debate…
17
Juni
Annual Council Meeting 2026
The Annual Council Meeting 2026 will take place on 17-18 June 2026 in Vienna
European Power
Europe Debates | Russia won’t attack NATO
Russia’s hybrid warfare targeting NATO states has intensified since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Attacks on digital and energy infrastructure as well as drone incursions into NATO airspace occur almost daily now and put the alliance on alert about the potential of Russian aggression in the not-too-distant future. Between US president Trump raising…
2
Dez.
European Power
A big, beautiful European strategy for Trumponomics
Since the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House in January, European policymakers have been struggling to sketch a sensible response to Trumponomics – an unpredictable, fast-changing and often baffling mix of U.S. trade, investment and finance policies that have a direct impact on Europe’s interests. In her latest ECFR policy brief, Agathe Demarais…
28
Nov.
Europe’s Last Chance? What we should do about Trump, China, Ukraine and other challenges of a transactional world
Europe today finds itself facing unprecedented global challenges and surrounded by transactional powers. Donald Trump is poised to redefine the global role of the US – revisiting alliances, challenging NATO, and treating security and trade alike as bargaining chips. China is pressing its advantage in technology, infrastructure, and diplomacy, asking Europeans to choose between principles and…
6
Mai
European Power
Europa auf sich gestellt? Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik in Umbruchszeiten
Die europäische Sicherheitspolitik befindet sich in einem fundamentalen Wandel. Die transatlantische Partnerschaft, einst Eckpfeiler europäischer Sicherheit, gerät durch eine veränderte US-amerikanische Außenpolitik zunehmend unter Druck. Gleichzeitig stellen Russland und China zunehmend eine Bedrohung für Europas Sicherheit und Wirtschaftsmodell dar. Diese Entwicklungen zwingen Europa zur dringenden Auseinandersetzung mit seiner eigenen Rolle und der Fähigkeit zur Verteidigung…
21
Mai
European Power
China im Fokus – Partner, Rivale, Bedrohung?
Die Beziehungen zur Volksrepublik China prägen maßgeblich die Außenpolitik der EU. Trotz strategischer Kooperationsansätze und Chinas Rolle als wichtigster Handelspartner der EU bestehen erhebliche Ungleichgewichte und politische Spannungen. Während die EU Chinas größter Absatzmarkt ist, führt das Handelsverhältnis zu einem deutlichen Defizit auf europäischer Seite. Zudem belasten Differenzen in Fragen von Demokratie, Rechtsstaatlichkeit und Menschenrechten…
4
Juni
European Power
Das Imperium schlägt zurück? Russlands Großmachtansprüche und mitteleuropäische Bedrohungswahrnehmungen
Der Zerfall der Sowjetunion im Jahr 1991 nährte die Hoffnung auf eine friedlichere europäische Ordnung. Doch diese Hoffnung erwies sich als trügerisch. Unter Wladimir Putin erlebt Russlands Großmachtanspruch eine gefährliche Renaissance, genährt von dem Wunsch, eine Einflusssphäre in Russlands Nachbarschaft wiederherzustellen. Die vom Kreml propagierte Idee einer „russischen Welt“, die russischsprachige Bevölkerungen im Ausland sowie…
11
Juni
European Power
Die USA am Scheideweg: Zwischen globaler Führung und nationaler Abschottung
Die transatlantischen Beziehungen, lange Zeit ein stabiles Fundament gemeinsamer Werte und Sicherheit, sind ins Wanken geraten. Spätestens seit der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz zeigt sich: Das Bild von Freundschaft und Schulterschluss zwischen den USA und Europa bröckelt. Die Rhetorik aus Washington, die Europa teils als ideologischen Gegner betrachtet, und protektionistische Maßnahmen wie Sonderzölle belasten das Verhältnis spürbar
European Power
ECFR election insights: Will Germany lead or lag in Europe’s next foreign policy chapter?
Germany’s election results are in—now what? Join the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) for a timely post-election analysis in the early morning after results are in. What does the outcome mean for Germany’s role on the European and global stage? Will the new government take a leadership role in shaping Europe’s foreign policy, or will…
Pressespiegel
ECFR-Expert*innen über die Auswirkungen des Iran-Kriegs auf den Nahen Osten
Mark Leonard, Timothy Garton Ash und Ivan Krastev über Umfrageergebnisse, die den Wandel der europäischen Meinung über China zeigen
Célia Belin und Paweł Zerka über die Ergebnisse einer Umfrage, die in 13 europäischen Ländern durchgeführt wurde