Europe’s new Defence Readiness Roadmap: The European Commission bids for the driving seat
After years of slow progress by member states, only the European Commission appears to have a plan to invest in Europe’s defence
European Security
When Czech populists win, that’s nothing peculiarly “east European”. It’s the new normal of the Western world
The likely new government in Prague will add one more state opposed to the EU’s green deal, and migration and asylum pact
Czechs and balances: Protecting Ukraine aid from the new government in Prague
Andrej Babis’s populist party won the Czech parliamentary election with the mantra of “Czechia first” and a promise to stop sending ammunition to Ukraine. Another European country, such as Finland, needs to take its place
From success to strategy: Three lessons from Moldova’s election
The success of Maia Sandu’s pro-EU party in Moldova’s parliamentary election holds three valuable lessons for protecting votes from Russian meddling in the future—whether that is in Moldova or in other vulnerable democracies
Enemy number one: What Putin’s foreign policy speech says about Europe
At this year’s Valdai club, Vladimir Putin gave his most anti-EU speech yet, citing his determination to see new anti-establishment politicians to come to power and improve Europe’s relations with Moscow
Flaunting mischief: Three aims of Russia’s airspace incursions
Russia’s recent incursions into NATO airspace are the biggest escalation with the alliance since the cold war. With it, Putin likely hopes to achieve three main goals
Love thy neighbour: Moldova’s election is a stress test for European resilience
Moldova’s parliamentary election will steer the country towards either the EU or Russia. Whatever the outcome, it is a chance for Europeans to understand Putin’s disinformation playbook and protect other vulnerable states from his influence
From battlefield to ballot box: Why Russia is drafting war veterans into politics
The rising prominence of veterans of the war in Ukraine will widen Russia’s elite coalition pushing for continued confrontation with the West
A tale of two leaders: The difference between Starmer and von der Leyen
The return-to-work pitches of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and British prime minister Keir Starmer sketch two very different pictures: one was full of ambition and strength, the other was sorely lacking
Zapad against the West: How Europe should read the Russian-Belarusian military drills
Zapad 2025 is not only a show of force; it is Lukashenko’s bid to play a role in the emergent European security order as it bargains with Washington over sanctions and prisoners