The fragile state of Libya has been a hub for migration and smuggling for a long time. Mattia Toaldo presented the results of his Policy Brief “Libya's migrant-smuggling highway”, while Angeliki Dimitriadi, ECFR Research Fellow on migration, reported from her personal experiences and field research in the region. This led to an intense discussion about legal migration.
Avec Alexandra Novosseloff et Magnus Westerlund
Following France’s call for European solidarity under Article 42.7, European states should rekindle defence cooperation and aid France’s deployments in Africa
On November 19 2015, the topic of “Migration as a shared European responsibility” was discussed with Emma Bonino, Former Foreign Minister and Former Minister for International Trade and European Affairs of Italy and Member of ECFR Board in the Representation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg in Berlin.
What does France's invocation of Article 42.7 – the EU's mutual defence provision – mean for the EU and its member states
Closing our borders to keep the others away is precisely what ISIS wants
ECFR Sofia organises an international workshop on the possible responses to the refugee crisis
Beneath the talk of unity and common anxiety, three dividing lines are opening up across Europe – how they are resolved will determine whether the EU emerges stronger with its values intact
Understanding oneself means to look at oneself from the view of others. The Maghreb region is a very crucial neighbourhood for the EU, yet little is known about their point of view. The region faces political, economical and security crises with instable governments, decreasing oil prices and terrorist formations. Europe has to engage more with these countries since it is clearly mutually beneficial. Furthermore, it would alter their view on Europe towards a more positive one. For that, the European Union has to encounter MENA countries on a level playing field.
Russia underwent fundamental military reforms which not only included modernization of equipment but also changes on structure and staffing. In the recent past, we have observed significantly faster mobilization of troops within few days and major threats to EU and NATO members. However, the European Union is badly prepared for the various scenarios regarding its defence strategy. For that a better coordination between EU and NATO, a willingness to react, and a re-focus on military core functions and capacities is of fundamental importance. The discussion proved to be very lively. Consensus on the strengthening of Russia's military was clearly at hand, but regarding the instruments to encounter this new military giant is still an open question for the foreseeable future.