Highlights
Featured
Four principles for an EU-Hungary reset
Brussels should set clear conditions for Hungary’s European comeback—and use its moment of leverage to incentivise a geopolitical shift
The full monty: Why the Mediterranean pact needs to offer the works
Europe’s energy, industrial and migration interests all converge in its southern neighbourhood, where rivals are eroding its influence. The new Pact for the Mediterranean can reverse this, but only if Brussels puts grand bargains on the table
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
Political accession first: A new pact for Ukraine to join the EU
European leaders should adopt a new approach—the PACT model—for Ukraine’s future accession to the EU. This model will help them facilitate the peace process while also giving confidence to their electorates
Mark Leonard's World in 30 minutes
Hungary after Orbán
Mark Leonard is joined by Zsuzsanna Szelényi to talk about the defeat of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán by Péter Magyar
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.
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
Sowing discord: How Russia is making the most of a global fertiliser shortage
Amid fears of an Iran war-fuelled global food crisis, Moscow is weaponising access to its fertiliser supplies in both Western countries and developing economies
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
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
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
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
Tarek Megerisi on the premises of the new Pact for the Mediterranean of the European Union
Teresa Coratella on the implications of Viktor Orbán’s defeat for Hungary and for Europe
Arturo Varvelli on the suspension by the Italian government of the defence cooperation memorandum with Israel
Piotr Buras and Pawel Zerka on Europeans assess the new government of Hungary
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
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
More on European Security
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
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