Highlights
Featured
After the rupture: Middle powers and the construction of new order
As American leadership wanes, middle powers are stitching a patchwork order through new approaches to conflict mediation, connectivity and development. Although these formats are fragmented and opportunistic, Europe should engage with them pragmatically
The European archipelago: Building bridges in a post-Western Europe
In the second Trump era, Europe urgently needs to secure its autonomy. Leaders must therefore link together different islands of European public opinion to establish strong majorities for action
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
The new right: Anatomy of a global political revolution
The thinkers and ideas of the rising nationalist right merit the political mainstream’s attention. Only by understanding them can it build a resilient counter-project
Mark Leonard's World in 30 minutes
Live from MSC 2026: Transatlantic turning point
Mark Leonard welcomes Jeremy Cliffe, Ulrike Franke, Janka Oertel and Majda Ruge live from the Munich Security Conference to unpack its biggest moments
ECFR on air
Trump’s Iran choice: Regional takes
In this episode of ECFR’s WOMENP podcast, Ellie Geranmayeh welcomes Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, associate senior policy follow at ECFR, Dina Esfandiary, Middle East geoeconomics lead…
Views from the Council
Trump strikes Venezuela: Three conclusions for Europe
Trump’s military action in Venezuela highlights America’s hemispheric turn, its disregard for international law and the president’s growing reliance on force. Europe faces tough choices to defend its interests
Only Europe can save Ukraine from Putin and Trump—but will it?
Whether using frozen Russian assets, ramping up defence production or deepening the relationship with the EU, it is up to us to secure Ukraine’s future—and our own
In the Media - Council
Edwin Bendyk writes about Polish-Ukrainian relations and mutual interests
Giorgio Rutelli on the German-Italian cooperation in Rome and the three main tasks of Europe
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.
Featured
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.
Featured
Re:Order
Re:Order project explores emerging visions of the global order, as well as the interplay between economic might and geopolitical influence.
Featured
Latest
Tisza’s foreign policy offer: Plans for a post-Orban Hungary
After nearly 16 years of Fidesz rule, the centre-right Tisza party stands a chance of winning Hungary’s April election. Under their rule, Budapest would work with Europe, not against it
Capability club: How the EU can lead the fight for AI middle powers
India’s AI Impact Summit is an opportunity for the EU to seek new partnerships with other middle powers on AI development and infrastructure
The fast and the forward: Takaichi landslide will unleash a bolder Japan
Sanae Takaichi’s supermajority victory will speed up Japan’s assertive policies on defence and economic security. For Europe, this makes Japan a more predictable partner—but it also adds pressure to match Tokyo’s new pace
Escaping the special relationship: How Britain can leave its dangerous dependency on Trump’s America
The British prime minister has long said the UK does not need to choose between the US and Europe. The time has come for him to admit he is wrong
Selling peace to Trump: How Europe can prevent the next Middle East war
Israel is agitating for US strikes against Iran, while preparing for renewed war in Lebanon. Europeans should work to contain Trump and Netanyahu to prevent renewed offensives in both arenas, while supporting Lebanon’s fragile governance
Pivoting in plain sight: China’s stealthier geoeconomics
China is shifting its economic strategies towards micro-integration and market diversification, which pose a more subtle danger to Europe’s industrial heartlands
Arturo Varvelli and Kelly Petillo on Mattei Plan developments in the context of the second Italy-Africa Summit
Giorgio Rutelli’s commentary, When in Rome: The Italian-German motor in action, mentioned in Financial Times’ newsletter Europe Express
Ulrike Franke on Switzerland’s reaction to russian invasion of Ukraine
Célia Belin and Paweł Zerka on the results of a poll conducted across 13 European countries
Célia Belin and Pawel Zerka on the results of a poll conducted across 13 European countries
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
Don’t look down: How Europeans can escape China’s clean-tech gravity
China’s manufacturing surge and trade tactics are dampening Europe’s clean-tech goals. Europeans need to forge coalitions across wary member states to secure their energy independence
More on European Power
How Trump is making China great again—and what it means for Europe
A post-Western world is learning to love China, while Europeans are starting to fear America
More on European Security
Accelerate the accessions: Why faster is better in EU enlargement policy
The Ukraine war has revived EU enlargement for Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine, but they face obstacles. Accelerating membership for these frontrunners would unlock the process before rivals can take advantage
More on Middle East and North Africa
Averting West Bank collapse: How to revive Palestinian politics
Hollowed out by violent Israeli control and Mahmoud Abbas’s personal rule, the Palestinian Authority is losing its grip on the West Bank. European and Arab states must intervene to rebuild legitimate governance and keep Palestinian self-determination alive
More on United States
The bear in the Baltics: Reassessing the Russian threat in Estonia
While Estonia’s geography makes it vulnerable to a Russian invasion, it is also protected due to weakened Russian capabilities, stronger European defence cooperation and its own preparedness. NATO’s European members should be reassured but not complacent