Trump’s strikes on Iran are an illegal war of choice—and Europeans should say so
As the conflict threatens to escalate, European governments must make an assertive case for diplomacy and prepare for humanitarian catastrophe
Policy alerts
Merz in Beijing: A chance to flip China’s “stability” narrative
Merz’s trip is less a bilateral tour than a signal setting moment: his words and stance will influence whether Europe pivots to a more assertive China strategy or lets Beijing lock in a costly status quo
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
A new world in trade: How Europeans can make the most of the India deal
The new EU-India free trade agreement could become a template for 21st-century trade governance
Disintegrated deterrence: What Trump’s National Defense Strategy means for Europe
Donald Trump has rolled out America’s stark new National Defense Strategy. Europeans need to be prepared to take control of their own defence future
How Europe can help Iranians break the internet shutdown
Tehran has used a communications blackout to suppress nationwide protests and control information flows. French and UK governments can use their own satellite terminals to provide Iranians with independent internet access
Global aid after Trump’s exit: How Europe can lead reform and head off Russia and China
President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the US from international organisations presents an opportunity to Europe to lead on global aid reform
Peace with teeth: What Britain and France’s troop commitment means for Ukraine
Britain and France have committed to deploying their armies on the ground in Ukraine. This is one step towards providing the robust security guarantees the country needs to deter future Russian aggression
Invest in electric: Why Germany’s combustion engine win risks EU industrial loss
German opposition to the EU’s target to ban combustion engines by 2035 risks locking in emissions and ceding the EV market to China. The bloc needs to convince its member states that investment in electric is worthwhile
When the army comes knocking: Benin’s failed coup and West African instability
A failed coup in Benin is the latest in an increasingly volatile West Africa. To encourage stability, Europeans should support the region’s governments while doubling down on countering disinformation—but do so discretely
Articles
Trump’s strikes on Iran are an illegal war of choice—and Europeans should say so
As the conflict threatens to escalate, European governments must make an assertive case for diplomacy and prepare for humanitarian catastrophe
Merz in Beijing: A chance to flip China’s “stability” narrative
Merz’s trip is less a bilateral tour than a signal setting moment: his words and stance will influence whether Europe pivots to a more assertive China strategy or lets Beijing lock in a costly status quo
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
A new world in trade: How Europeans can make the most of the India deal
The new EU-India free trade agreement could become a template for 21st-century trade governance
Disintegrated deterrence: What Trump’s National Defense Strategy means for Europe
Donald Trump has rolled out America’s stark new National Defense Strategy. Europeans need to be prepared to take control of their own defence future
How Europe can help Iranians break the internet shutdown
Tehran has used a communications blackout to suppress nationwide protests and control information flows. French and UK governments can use their own satellite terminals to provide Iranians with independent internet access
Global aid after Trump’s exit: How Europe can lead reform and head off Russia and China
President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the US from international organisations presents an opportunity to Europe to lead on global aid reform
Peace with teeth: What Britain and France’s troop commitment means for Ukraine
Britain and France have committed to deploying their armies on the ground in Ukraine. This is one step towards providing the robust security guarantees the country needs to deter future Russian aggression
Invest in electric: Why Germany’s combustion engine win risks EU industrial loss
German opposition to the EU’s target to ban combustion engines by 2035 risks locking in emissions and ceding the EV market to China. The bloc needs to convince its member states that investment in electric is worthwhile
When the army comes knocking: Benin’s failed coup and West African instability
A failed coup in Benin is the latest in an increasingly volatile West Africa. To encourage stability, Europeans should support the region’s governments while doubling down on countering disinformation—but do so discretely