Head ECFR, Madrid
Policy Fellow
English, Spanish
Carla Hobbs is the Head of Madrid office and Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Prior to joining ECFR in 2018, Hobbs worked at the European External Action Service as a Political Officer in the Delegation of the European Union to Chile and previously as a Junior Professional in the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago. Between 2014 and 2016, she was a research assistant in the ECFR Madrid Office, directly supporting the head of the office José Ignacio Torreblanca.
Hobbs holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Edinburgh and a Master’s degree in International Journalism from City University London.
Europe’s climate goals, industrial plans and geopolitical ambitions are outpacing its electricity infrastructure. If upgrades do not speed up, the grid will become the main barrier to Europe’s success
La Unión Europea se encuentra en una coyuntura crítica. La segunda administración Trump ha intensificado la presión comercial sobre Europa con nuevos aranceles y una agenda abiertamente proteccionista. Mientras, China está aprovechando su capacidad industrial y el control sobre minerales estratégicos y tierras raras para reforzar su influencia. En este contexto de creciente…
Brazil and Europe share many similarities: both seek autonomy amid escalating US-China tensions – while championing multilateralism and navigating democratic pressures for a values-based foreign policy. However, their potential for collaboration remains largely untapped
After the European Parliament election, the incoming EU institutions will likely prioritise security and competitiveness, complicating the path to climate action. Climate progressives will need compelling narratives, strategic resourcing, and diplomatic engagement to advance the best possible climate agenda over the next five years
Multilateral coalitions are increasingly important for combatting global challenges. Europeans have many eligible – and untapped – potential partner countries, but to stand out they need to ensure their offer is as grounded in these partners’ interests as their own
El 20 de julio ECFR celebró una reunión virtual a puerta cerrada para intercambiar perspectivas sobre los resultados alcanzados en la Cumbre UE-CELAC del 17-18 julio y la posterior hoja de ruta durante la Presidencia española del Consejo de la UE
The EU can counter Chinese and Russian influence through a digital alliance with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
The EU cannot continue to rely on its regulatory power but must become a tech superpower in its own right. Referees do not win the game
A new survey shows that, after the onset of the covid-19 crisis, there has been a rise in public support for unified EU action to tackle global threats
The US and the EU could move beyond their persistent regulatory and technological disputes to establish a common position on the digital space
Brazil and Europe share many similarities: both seek autonomy amid escalating US-China tensions – while championing multilateralism and navigating democratic pressures for a values-based foreign policy. However, their potential for collaboration remains largely untapped
After the European Parliament election, the incoming EU institutions will likely prioritise security and competitiveness, complicating the path to climate action. Climate progressives will need compelling narratives, strategic resourcing, and diplomatic engagement to advance the best possible climate agenda over the next five years
The EU can counter Chinese and Russian influence through a digital alliance with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
The EU cannot continue to rely on its regulatory power but must become a tech superpower in its own right. Referees do not win the game
A new survey shows that, after the onset of the covid-19 crisis, there has been a rise in public support for unified EU action to tackle global threats
Europe’s climate goals, industrial plans and geopolitical ambitions are outpacing its electricity infrastructure. If upgrades do not speed up, the grid will become the main barrier to Europe’s success
The US and the EU could move beyond their persistent regulatory and technological disputes to establish a common position on the digital space
The internet fundamentally tests the ways in which governments approach regulation
Figures from across government, the private sector, and wider society argue in favour of adequate regulation to mitigate the harmful effects of the internet. But what should this regulation look like?
Spain's snap election will be of “existential importance” – below, an explainer to get ready for Sunday outlining the contenders and possible outcomes
The “third Industrial Revolution” – the digital revolution – is well underway and Europe cannot afford to miss it
Multilateral coalitions are increasingly important for combatting global challenges. Europeans have many eligible – and untapped – potential partner countries, but to stand out they need to ensure their offer is as grounded in these partners’ interests as their own
La Unión Europea se encuentra en una coyuntura crítica. La segunda administración Trump ha intensificado la presión comercial sobre Europa con nuevos aranceles y una agenda abiertamente proteccionista. Mientras, China está aprovechando su capacidad industrial y el control sobre minerales estratégicos y tierras raras para reforzar su influencia. En este contexto de creciente…
El 20 de julio ECFR celebró una reunión virtual a puerta cerrada para intercambiar perspectivas sobre los resultados alcanzados en la Cumbre UE-CELAC del 17-18 julio y la posterior hoja de ruta durante la Presidencia española del Consejo de la UE
Carla Hobbs on how the EU’s regulatory simplification agenda is leading to deregulation
Carla Hobbs on how the EU’s regulatory simplification agenda is leading to deregulation
Carla Hobbs on how the EU’s regulatory simplification agenda is leading to deregulation
Susi Dennison and Carla Hobbs on how the EU should reinvent itself for COP30
On Carla Hobbs in her role as moderator of the 10/28 ECFR public debate in Madrid
