IPQ Frontpage

Germany has left its China-centric approach to Asia behind. As German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his ministers arrive in India, Berlin and New Delhi are in the middle of forging a new, ambitious agenda. 

Rather than congratulating themselves for simply adopting a feminist foreign policy, countries should focus on how it can serve as a practical tool for responding to crises and addressing threats to human security—such as the current war in Gaza.

By introducing a defense commissioner, Ursula von der Leyen’s second European Commission makes clear that Europe’s security is an urgent priority. Defense industrial policy will, by necessity, be a key focus.

Europe is in desperate need of leadership when it comes to security. Yet, so far there is little sign of any Franco-German meeting of minds on defense.

Despite lofty ambitions and notable space-based capabilities, the EU is lagging behind. Only through cooperation and significantly increased investment can Europe adequately respond to the increased relevance of space and the heightened orbital security environment.

The US Treasury is preparing a screening mechanism for investments in China. German policymakers and businesses should not avoid the debate about how Europe should react.

Highly indebted European NATO countries should levy a “defense tax” to make their long-term commitment to higher defense spending politically credible and financially sustainable.

Support for Ukraine seems to be declining. This makes the irrevocable integration of the country into Euro-Atlantic structures all the more important.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has unified European thinking about defense. But differences remain, says the Czech Defense Ministry’s Director-General for Defense Policy and Planning Jan Jireš.