EU member states worry too much about speaking with one voice. But endless unified expressions of 'interest and concern' about the situation in Tunisia and Egypt show that the problem is that others aren't listening because we often have little to say.
There are two important lessons to be learned from last month's EU-Africa summit. First, Europe needs to reassert its diplomatic clout after a post-Lisbon period of uncertainty. Second, it needs to think more cleverly about how to promote its values in a world where our economic and political models are no longer unquestioningly accepted
The first round of Egypt’s elections suffered from irregularities and unfair competition, yet this received little coverage abroad. This must change, especially if Egypt is to be thought of as a benchmark for political progress in the wider Middle East
Rampant defence cuts throughout the EU will probably spell the end of European countries’ little-known but important interventions in African conflicts. This invites humanitarian disasters on parts of the map that increasingly small numbers of European citizens could identify
Iran looks set to defy President Obama?s offer of engagement and the international community ?- including the EU -? will have to decide how to react. But what is Tehran thinking?
Private Security Companies are indispensable on the modern battle-field, but they need to be regulated. The EU may succeed where national governments and self-regulation have failed
With a policy team in seven capitals — London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Sofia, Madrid and Warsaw — ECFR is the first genuinely pan-European think-tank, bringing together some of our continent?'s most distinguished researchers and analysts
Privacy Preference
We have embedded content provided by third parties on our website, such as videos or social media content. Because displaying this content involves technical data, as well as data about your device or browser, being sent to the providers hosting the content, and because these providers may use cookies to display or configure this content, it will only be displayed with your consent. The providers, such as YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo or Twitter, may use this data for their own purposes, including marketing purposes, and may combine it with other information they have collected about you. They may transfer data to servers outside the EU. Click on details to find out more or go to our privacy notice. We use cookies and other technologies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.Personal data may be processed (e.g. IP addresses), for example for personalized ads and content or ad and content measurement.You can find more information about the use of your data in our privacy policy.You can revoke or adjust your selection at any time under Settings.
We use cookies and other technologies on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.Personal data may be processed (e.g. IP addresses), for example for personalized ads and content or ad and content measurement.You can find more information about the use of your data in our privacy policy.You can give your consent to whole categories or display further information and select certain services. You can revoke your consent at any time using the links under https://ecfr.eu/consent-management/