From willing to able: A European reassurance force for Ukraine
European boots on the ground in Ukraine seem more likely than ever before—but discussions on the practicalities of such a “reassurance force” are only just starting
Commentary
Back from the brink: How European support could prevent another Ethiopia-Eritrea war
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have soured since the war in Tigray ended in 2022. The region is now a tinderbox for conflict: Europeans need to intervene and pull the various opposing factions back from the brink
Pendulum policy: Why Meloni keeps swinging between Brussels and Washington
Giorgia Meloni is walking a diplomatic tightrope between Brussels and a resurgent, Trump-led Washington. Her White House visit reveals a prime minister striving to keep doors open on both sides of the Atlantic—while navigating domestic pressure, transatlantic trade friction and ideological fault lines within the EU
The other counter-offensive: Ukraine’s diplomatic push in Africa
Far away from the battlefronts in Ukraine, Russia has been busy charming African capitals to support its invasion. Ukraine is facing a harsh geopolitical awakening
Pragmatic partners: The EU’s new model for engagement with South Africa
The EU and South Africa are fresh off the back of their first mutual summit in seven years. Pretoria remains committed to its policy of strategic ambiguity, while the EU took the chance to further its green and industrial ambitions via a new partnership model
When culture war and trade war clash: Trump’s troubled alliance with Europe’s far right
The Trump administration and far-right European politicians see an opportunity to transform the EU from within. In turn, liberal Europeans have an opportunity to undermine this transatlantic alliance—before it gathers real momentum
Europe after the end of the liberal international order
As Europeans rearm to confront Russian aggression, they also need to figure out how to survive in the age of “unpeace” that Donald Trump and other strongmen are ushering in. The old interdependencies that liberals took for granted no longer ensure peace, prosperity or stability
Stumbling blocs: Why the EU’s future security depends on successful enlargement
Europe needs to strengthen its collective security in the face of a more volatile US, Russia and China. The EU’s successful streamlining of its accession process would secure the wider neighbourhood—and its geopolitical future
Spoil or shape: How Europeans can impact US-Russia talks on Ukraine
European policymakers have little direct influence over Moscow and Washington. However, they can use certain tools as leverage to help shape talks about Ukraine’s future—while ensuring to act in the EU’s best interest
No time to drift: Trump, China, and the urgency of a stronger EU-Japan alignment
With an unpredictable US and a defiant China, the EU and Japan must deepen their alignment—fast. Strategic cooperation in defence, economic security and diplomacy is no longer optional; it’s essential to shaping, not just surviving, the new global order