Hold the line: NATO cannot allow airspace violations to go unchallenged
The NATO response to Russia’s latest violation of Poland airspace shows what collective defence can achieve and is the kind of resolute action the new threat environment demands
European Security
Bering bad news: Trump, Putin and European lessons from the Alaska summit
The US-Russia meeting did not produce a deal, but the direction of travel it indicated should alarm Europeans. They must redouble efforts to support Ukraine and bolster their own defences
Trump meets Putin: Why the Alaska summit is no Yalta—yet
On August 15th, the American and Russian presidents will meet in Alaska to discuss the future of Ukraine—without Ukrainians, or even Europeans, in the room. Quick results are unlikely, and in any case, Europeans still have the cards to shape them
Snap out of it: Europe, Iran and nuclear negotiations
The deadline is looming for Britain, France and Germany to decide whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran. They are right to consider an extension to this “snapback” mechanism—and China could play a crucial role in what comes next
Britain and Europe are changing together
The nuclear pact recently signed by Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer reflects how an emerging post-liberal Europe is taking the form of a defence community. Britain can help shape the continent’s new security order, so long as it banishes the Brexit mindset
Baltic bellwether: How to boost the EU’s civil preparedness
The Baltic states are leading efforts to strengthen Europe’s ability to face a potential foreign attack and cope with its fallout. The EU should follow their lead and build the societal and institutional resilience needed before a crisis hits
Air of superiority: What the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine can teach Europeans about NATO readiness
The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are different in a multitude of important ways. But they nonetheless offer some common lessons for Europeans on the importance of air superiority to military victory
Heart of the matter: How Denmark’s focus on Ukraine and enlargement will define its EU presidency
On 1st July, Poland hands over its EU Council presidency to Denmark. The latter’s focus on EU enlargement and support for Ukraine underscores its bid to reach Europe’s geopolitical heart—and secure Denmark against threats from east and west
Too much, too fast: Europe’s defence-spending tsunami is coming
This week’s NATO summit sees defence spending at the top of the agenda. But, at the current estimation, Europe risks rearming at an unsustainable pace. This could waste resources and trigger political instability without delivering real security for European citizens
Small change, big difference: How the NATO summit can still support Ukraine
NATO members should designate their support for Ukraine as a contribution towards achieving 5% of domestic spending on defence