Why Russia’s actions pose a threat well beyond its neighbours
Europeans might be focused on deterring Russia’s military might—but they also need to consider the danger of its political gamble
NATO
Bridging the Bosphorus: How Europe and Turkey can turn tiffs into tactics in the Black Sea
After years of bickering, Europe and Turkey need each other more than ever. A security partnership in the Black Sea could be the first step toward a pragmatic, if uneasy, alliance to contain Russia
As Trump and Putin menace Europe, I say this: Vive le Churchillo-Gaullisme!
Our continent must be prepared to defend itself, by combining the best of its two most influential traditions
Glaciers and geopolitics: Why Iceland matters for European security
Iceland may be small, but its strategic importance is vast. As Trump questions NATO commitments, European allies must step up before the Arctic becomes the next geopolitical flashpoint
Ukraine negotiations: How Europeans can be at the table, not on the menu
Donald Trump has spoken to Vladimir Putin, and they are ready to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Already, the US has ceded to two major Russian demands. How Europeans respond is crucial for the future of Ukraine and of the continent’s security
The Norwegian way: Why Oslo talks to everyone
Mark Leonard welcomes Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to discuss Norway’s distinct approach to diplomacy and international engagement
America first, Europe next: Trump will change dynamics in Western Balkan security
With US involvement waning, Europe faces a critical test in securing the Western Balkans. Renewed EU commitment could transform its neighbourhood and bolster its security
Between the lines: Monitoring Putin’s response to Ukraine’s long-range missiles
Ukraine has carried out its first strikes inside Russian territory with Western-made, long-range missiles; Vladimir Putin responded by launching a new type of weapon. NATO allies must now send a clear deterrence message without following Russia’s escalatory rhetoric
Only NATO can secure a ‘West German’ future for Ukraine
Accession to the EU needs to be complemented by the security alliance
Inventing NATO 3.0: Why Rutte should bridge the EU and the US for a stronger alliance
NATO’s changing of the guard takes place while war rages in Ukraine and as the future of transatlantic relations remains uncertain. It will take all of new secretary general Mark Rutte’s skill to establish a stable NATO 3.0
Publications
Bridging the Bosphorus: How Europe and Turkey can turn tiffs into tactics in the Black Sea
After years of bickering, Europe and Turkey need each other more than ever. A security partnership in the Black Sea could be the first step toward a pragmatic, if uneasy, alliance to contain Russia
Articles
Why Russia’s actions pose a threat well beyond its neighbours
Europeans might be focused on deterring Russia’s military might—but they also need to consider the danger of its political gamble
As Trump and Putin menace Europe, I say this: Vive le Churchillo-Gaullisme!
Our continent must be prepared to defend itself, by combining the best of its two most influential traditions
Glaciers and geopolitics: Why Iceland matters for European security
Iceland may be small, but its strategic importance is vast. As Trump questions NATO commitments, European allies must step up before the Arctic becomes the next geopolitical flashpoint
Ukraine negotiations: How Europeans can be at the table, not on the menu
Donald Trump has spoken to Vladimir Putin, and they are ready to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Already, the US has ceded to two major Russian demands. How Europeans respond is crucial for the future of Ukraine and of the continent’s security
America first, Europe next: Trump will change dynamics in Western Balkan security
With US involvement waning, Europe faces a critical test in securing the Western Balkans. Renewed EU commitment could transform its neighbourhood and bolster its security
Between the lines: Monitoring Putin’s response to Ukraine’s long-range missiles
Ukraine has carried out its first strikes inside Russian territory with Western-made, long-range missiles; Vladimir Putin responded by launching a new type of weapon. NATO allies must now send a clear deterrence message without following Russia’s escalatory rhetoric
Only NATO can secure a ‘West German’ future for Ukraine
Accession to the EU needs to be complemented by the security alliance
Inventing NATO 3.0: Why Rutte should bridge the EU and the US for a stronger alliance
NATO’s changing of the guard takes place while war rages in Ukraine and as the future of transatlantic relations remains uncertain. It will take all of new secretary general Mark Rutte’s skill to establish a stable NATO 3.0
Building BRICS: What Erdogan’s geopolitical gamble could mean for the West
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced Turkey’s intention to apply for BRICS membership. If successful, it would be the bloc’s only NATO member – but the mere prospect of joining could open the door to Turkey’s re-engagement with the West
Up in arms: European security options for a post-cooperative era
The de facto absence of European arms control regimes has opened political and operational security gaps. NATO and its partner states should strengthen their cross-border expertise and balance stronger deterrence measures with effective restraint
Podcasts
The Norwegian way: Why Oslo talks to everyone
Mark Leonard welcomes Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to discuss Norway’s distinct approach to diplomacy and international engagement
NATO’s Vilnius summit: The highlights and the future challenges
Mark Leonard is joined by Alex Stubb, Lykke Friis, and Camille Grand, to discuss the outcomes of the NATO summit in Vilnius.
The NATO Summit and the future of European Defence
Mark Leonard is joined by Nick Witney, Jana Puglierin, and Tara Varma, to evaluate the outcomes of the NATO Summit in Madrid, especially regarding European defence
New era, new alliance: NATO, Sweden, and Finland
What can Sweden and Finland offer NATO? And are they worried about the Kremlin’s threats to attack their countries?
Events
1 Jul
Dormant NATO: Future Prospects and Challenges
Russia’s war against Ukraine has shown how much the Europeans are still dependent on the US to ensure their security, despite all the talk of…
27 Jun
75 anni di NATO e Italia: stato dell’arte e sfide future
In occasione del 75esimo anniversario della NATO, la conferenza farà il punto sia sulla NATO nel contesto attuale e futuro, sia soprattutto sul ruolo dell’Italia nell’alleanza atlantica e il rapporto tra quest’ultima e gli interessi nazionali
9 Apr
Ukrainian Victory. How to bring sustainable peace back to Europe
The event, organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in Rome and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Rome in cooperation with the Italian Federation for Human Rights (FIDU) and the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) will discuss the current situation in Ukraine in a closed-door roundtable, with the participation of visiting Ukrainian experts
1 Feb
New year, new Europe: Defence strategy, capabilities and technology
In NATO’s 75th anniversary year, ahead of a new EU institutional cycle in late 2024, we are delighted to present New year, new Europe: Defence strategy, capabilities and technology, the inaugural event of the European Council on Foreign Relations’ new defence initiative
30 Nov
Uninterrupted support: What Ukraine needs from the EU in the Long War
Ahead of the European Council in December where accession talks with Ukraine are expected to be opened, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) is…
25 Sep
Not one inch eastwards?: A Black Coffee Morning with Mary Sarotte
Since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the history of NATO’s eastward expansion has once again been the subject of controversy…
14 Jun
Who controls the Russian military?
What are the political dynamics surrounding the Russian military? Exploring potential scenarios for Russia’s civil-military development and implications for NATO and Europe
17 May
It’s complicated: The Russia-China Axis
This event is part of the German Forum on Security Policy, organised by the Federal Academy for Security Policy (BAKS).
16 Dec
NATO in a multipolar world
The European Council on Foreign Relations is delighted to invite you to a discussion on the role of the NATO in a world of revived geopolitical competition with a focus on the potential of the transatlantic alliance
19 Nov
European Defence and NATO: towards Mutual Reinforcement
The current Covid19 crisis has reanimated the debate on defence, bringing to light new concerns, insights, and considerations about our future shared security. The objective of this initiative is to have an informative and innovative discussion on the future of European Defence and of NATO to drive toward mutual reinforcement
