NATO and its member states are preparing for the July summit in Warsaw in search for a joint response to the new security environment in Europe and its neighbourhood.
Staying or leaving? A question, that is deciding the future for Greatbritain and the EU. Proeuropean parties as well as persons being pro-Brexit are trying to influence the mood in the population. Though, most voters are still undecided. Not even 10 percent of all Britains think that the EU would be an important political topic.Where are we currently standing and what can Europe or Germany do? What are the most likely scenarios? These and other questions were dicussed this morning at the ECFR Berlin.
Through the summit decision on 18 March 2016 Turkey became a totally different „strategic partner“ of the EU than initially expected. Due to this now very close connection within the refugee crisis, Turkey becomes an important key player that is responsible for the stability and strategic position of the EU. The position of Turkish politics concerns Europe significantly more than it was the case before. Therefore we discussed this strategic position and the perspective of Turkey, as well as the consequences in foreign policy of the decision in Brussels within our Berlin Foreign Policy Club.
Currently, Turkey is seen as a key state, acting as a gatekeeper for Europe in times of the refugee crisis. The general role of Turkey in the Arab Spring was always driven by economic interests, and this interest had dominated all other aspects of the Turkish view of the Arab Spring. This position is even more strenghtened by the new refugee deal between the EU and Turkey. Furthermore, the Kurdish issue was dicussed, as well as the deep mistrust between Turkey and Iran, based on historic narratives and religion, but also being shaped by economic rivalry now.
After North Korea recently launched a nuclear weapons test, the veto-holding powers in the UN agreed upon stronger sanctions in a new resolution. What does this initiative from North Korea mean – especially for the current relations between the USA and China. Furthermore, the EU demanded from China to uphold universal human rights in its conflicts with its neighbouring countries in the Southasian sea, though it is highly questionable if Beijing is going to consider this suggestion. Are sanctions even a useful instrument for trying to establish strategic instruments in Eastasia? Can China be included in this strategy?
We are currently witnessing deep divisions within and between European societies. What are their driving forces? What are the various perspectives on the series of crises in recent years and how did the European Union contribute to all of this? What can we do to overcome the existing divisions between politics and the European societies? There was indeed much to be talked of in another round of our Berlin Foreign Policy Club.
Welche politischen Strategien haben wir, um die Fliehkräfte in der EU einzudämmen? Wie können wir tief zu ihren Ursachen vordringen und wie kann Europa wieder zu innerer Stärke und Einheit finden? Eine Diskussion mit Timothy Garton Ash und Norbert Röttgen
What does Great Britain think about Europe, and why? We will discuss this question and further questions with Nick Leake and Mark Leonard in a joint event with Stiftung Mercator
Privacy Preference
We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.If you are under 16 and wish to give consent to optional services, you must ask your legal guardians for permission.We use cookies and other technologies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.Personal data may be processed (e.g. IP addresses), for example for personalized ads and content or ad and content measurement.You can find more information about the use of your data in our privacy policy.You can revoke or adjust your selection at any time under Settings.
If you are under 16 and wish to give consent to optional services, you must ask your legal guardians for permission.We use cookies and other technologies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.Personal data may be processed (e.g. IP addresses), for example for personalized ads and content or ad and content measurement.You can find more information about the use of your data in our privacy policy.Here you will find an overview of all cookies used. You can give your consent to whole categories or display further information and select certain cookies.