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The morning after: Lessons from Poland for a post-Orban Hungary
Hungarians have a new leader who promises to heal the country after 16 years of democratic backsliding. Lessons from the Polish experience suggest this is easier said than done
Why Orban and Hungary are not one and the same
ECFR’s new public opinion polling reveals most Hungarians do not share Orban’s views on Hungary’s place in the world. If the opposition wins the election on April 12th, the new government will have a mandate to reorientate the country’s foreign policy towards Europe
Hungary’s election and Europe’s struggle with inevitability
Hungary’s election on April 12th could unseat Viktor Orban after 16 years in power. Even if Orban does cling on, the improbable run of opposition leader Peter Magyar still holds lessons for Europe’s mainstream
Beyond the Strait of Hormuz: How Europe can safeguard its energy future
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global energy flows. Europe must overhaul its energy strategy to focus on renewables, LNG, nuclear power and reducing oil dependency—and finally commit to safeguarding its long-term security
Mark Leonard's World in 30 minutes
Ceasefire in Iran
Mark Leonard is joined by Aslı Aydıntaşbaş to explore the recent Iran-US ceasefire, regional conflicts, and implications for Europe and global security
ECFR on air
Eastern Europe’s breaking point: When crises collide and the EU hesitates
Jessica Hendrick is joined by Sophie Gueudet and Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze to explore how geopolitical shocks are reshaping eastern Europe’s future
Views from the Council
Hungary’s election and Europe’s struggle with inevitability
Hungary’s election on April 12th could unseat Viktor Orban after 16 years in power. Even if Orban does cling on, the improbable run of opposition leader Peter Magyar still holds lessons for Europe’s mainstream
Love Actually? Washington’s current relationship with Britain is more like Contempt Actually
If the UK wants to regain serious respect in the world, it needs its European leg as well as its transatlantic one
Featured and flagship projects
The Data Collection
Explore our open-access data platform for unparalleled access to ECFR’s public opinion polls—empowering research and insight on today’s key foreign policy issues.
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Re:Engage
This project helps the EU in refining its foreign policy, re-engaging neighbours post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine to bolster regional resilience and advance enlargement policies.
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Re:Order
Re:Order project explores emerging visions of the global order, as well as the interplay between economic might and geopolitical influence.
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Latest
From good to not good: The impact of the war in Iran on Russia
Russia is reaping the rewards from Trump’s war in Iran, but the benefits will likely not extend beyond the short term. Here’s how Europeans can make the long term arrive more quickly
Amid the mayhem: Three steps for the EU and Turkey to protect their interests
European and Turkish policymakers should take three steps immediately to deliver on their shared interests. This approach could help stabilise their relationship and lay the groundwork for broader engagement
Making peace last: Steps for Europeans to support the Iran-US ceasefire
After threatening catastrophic escalation, Trump has agreed to a temporary ceasefire with Iran. Europeans need to use this moment to urgently push for a more lasting peace
Fast energy: How Europe can power the AI revolution and stay competitive
Europeans must urgently implement a “fast energy” programme to speed up access to energy to power AI—and remain competitive in the world
The art of the off-ramp: How Europe can pressure Trump to end the war in Iran
As Trump digs his heels into a war with Iran, he faces a growing list of domestic pressures. Europeans can press on these points to push Washington towards a ceasefire
Beijing hold’em: European cards against Chinese coercion
Europe has a China problem and pretending otherwise is making it worse. Chinese cheap exports and a monopoly on rare earths are not just economic irritants, but leverage wielded deliberately. Europeans can no longer just de-risk. They need a deterrence strategy with teeth
Ivan Krastev sulle radici dell’antiliberalismo nell’Europa della transizione post-1989. Ivan Krastev on the roots of anti-liberalism in post-1989 transition Europe
Jeremy Shapiro and Zsusanna Végh’s policy brief The Orbanisation of America: Hungary’s lessons for Donald Trump, mentioned by “Il Corriere della Sera”
More on Africa
Carbon bargain: How Europe can adapt to Africa’s new energy alliances
Europeans must adapt their approach to supporting Africa’s energy transitions—or risk losing out to China and other competitors
More on Asia
Borrowed mouths and laundered messages: China’s influence playbook in Europe
Chinese foreign manipulation and interference are rising in Europe. Five techniques feature in Beijing’s playbook, communicating messages about China’s place in the world and support for Russian positions.
More on European Power
The electric endgame: Europe’s clean path out of vassalage
The geoeconomic power of the future will be shaped by climate policy. Countries that play the right moves in regulation, clean-tech production and climate finance today will win in the electrified world of tomorrow
More on European Security
From shield to sword: Europe’s offensive strategy for the hybrid age
Europe’s defensive measures to shield its democracies from hybrid attacks are no longer enough. If Europeans want to protect their peace and prosperity, the time has come for them to fight back
More on Middle East and North Africa
EV endgame: Stalling China’s export surge in Europe’s southern neighbourhood
Chinese electric vehicle brands are adapting to Western trade barriers by increasing their presence in the Middle East and North Africa. Europe’s response must go beyond merely closing the loopholes
More on United States
One battle after another: Factional struggles and the making of Trump’s foreign policy
Trump’s foreign and security policy is the product of factional competition in the White House and a president fixated on short-term wins. Here’s how Europeans should come to terms with this new reality