Preventing the next war: A European plan for Ukraine
Together with the Ukrainians, Europeans should begin—now—to draw up a “beyond the horizon” plan for Ukraine in readiness for a ceasefire or even a peace deal
Security and Defence
European Power
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, the first turbulent months of President Trump’s new term, and the capacity of Europe to respond to a changing transatlantic reality. This webinar will launch our brand-new public…
From reliance to dependence: The risks of “NATO first”
Britain’s strategic defence review overlooks the dangers of banking on America for its security
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
12
May
European Power
The EU-UK summit in the context of Trump 2.0
The much-anticipated EU-UK summit on 19 May, expected to include a defense pact, will be an important step in the reset between London and Brussels, with the conflict in Ukraine having been a powerful vehicule for a rapprochment. At the same time, the UK is desperate to maintain its ‘special relationship’ with the US, to also…
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
How Europe can influence Trump’s deal-making with Iran
Europe’s sidelined diplomats watch as Trump’s team tussles over Iran’s nuclear fate. With “snapback” sanctions looming, Britain, France and Germany must hustle to shape a deal or risk being mere spectators
Eurovisionary times: How the continent is learning to sing in Trump’s face
European sentiment, tested by external threats and internal doubts, is finding new life in the Trump era: not in grand declarations, but in a slow, stubborn commitment to endure and move forward
Why a Ukraine peacekeeping force could become a trap for Europe
The EU may need to deploy a peacekeeping force to Ukraine. However, without urgent regulatory changes, its member states are unprepared for the risks of direct confrontation with Russia
4
Jun
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…