A fundamental fight: The frugal four and the rule of law
The ‘frugal four’ are showing an admirable commitment to defending the rule of law. But they bear some responsibility in Hungary and Poland
National Politics
European Power
Comment les opinions publiques influencent-elles la politique étrangère ?
L’ECFR a le plaisir de vous inviter à une discussion virtuelle sur l’opinion publique et la politique étrangère
Bubble trouble: Estonia and the coronavirus crisis
With the advent of the second wave, the medical situation in all three Baltic countries is changing quickly and, therefore, demands some flexibility from them to adequately handle the crisis
An interview with Anne Applebaum and José Ignacio Torreblanca
Head of ECFR’s Madrid Office, Jose Ignacio Torreblanca talks to the American historian, a Pulitzer Prize winner for Gulag, and expert on authoritarian populism about…
How the frugal four could grow in number and influence
Brexit has denied Denmark a regular ally in EU negotiations. Copenhagen can find new friends – but it should start the hard yards now.
Why Finland never joined the frugal four
Recent signs that Finland has joined the “frugal four” are overstated, but one member of the group may well be its closest coalition partner.
The limits of “no, no, no”: Why the Dutch are so ambivalent about Europe
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is stuck between European partners urging him to engage in Europe at this critical moment and a growing chorus at home threatening to punish him if he does so
Bulgaria’s anti-corruption protests explained – and why they matter for the EU
European leaders have stood by as Bulgarians demand real reform on corruption. But such silence will only harm the EU in the long run
The proof of the European Council pudding will be in the eating
EU leaders need to show that they are not only capable of reaching an agreement between themselves, but also of shaping the post-coronavirus world
A Schuman plan for the eastern Mediterranean
The EU should look to its own history as it aims to secure its own interests and resolve tensions in the eastern Mediterranean