How to arm a pacifist: Lessons from Ukraine for the EU’s defence
EU leaders have to learn lessons from Ukraine if they want to be truly ready to take responsibility for Europe’s security
European Security Initiative
23 Jun
Defence without America? What Europeans are (and aren’t) ready for
Days before a high-stakes NATO summit, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) hosts to a timely webinar on European public attitudes towards Europe’s defence,…
Litmus test: How to tell whether the Trump administration is serious about peace in Ukraine
European allies should urge the US government to use its unexploited sources of leverage over Russia—and learn from whether it does
Making them pay: How Ukraine’s special operations could bring Putin to negotiate
In the past week Ukraine has launched three surprise attacks on Russian military assets inside the country and in occupied Crimea. Ukraine’s allies in Europe should seize the momentum to compel Putin to come to the negotiating table
The long game: How Europeans can shape the outcome of Ukraine-Russia talks
The second meeting between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul has shown that a settlement is a distant prospect. To strengthen Ukraine’s hand in future talks, Europeans have a three-fold task
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
Under review: How to avoid a NATO-only approach to UK defence
Britain’s new Strategic Defence Review largely ignores its largest and closest partner, the EU. To ensure its NATO first approach doesn’t become a NATO only one, London should expand its defence cooperation with the bloc and its member states
Law of duty: The case for a US-inspired EU Preparedness Act
The EU needs a legal instrument to override rules in war or major security crises, empowering institutions to prioritize military production, secure supply chains and allocate vital resources effectively
Knowing the score: Why EU rearmament must be grounded in political consensus
The war in Ukraine and waning trust in US protection have prompted the EU to take more responsibility for its own security. But any joint defence initiative needs to be grounded in a unified political understanding
Back to the future: How the EU can upgrade its AI Continent Action Plan
Europe has launched its bid to be a global leader in artificial intelligence. But the EU will need a more ambitious AI Continent Action Plan to catch up to its tech rivals