In the Transatlantic Relationship, Strategic Necessity Trumps Values
The recent deterioration of the transatlantic relationship is often attributed to the current US administration abandoning once-shared values. That is only half the story. It’s time for the Europeans to admit this.
Andy Burnham’s Manchesterism
The new British prime minister is pursuing a policy that is inspired by localism. Its meaning remains unclear, but Andy Burnham knows that successful leadership needs an overarching theme.
Merz’ Waning Foreign Policy Clout
The CDU’s losses in the most recent state elections have plunged German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’ government into an existential crisis. This will significantly weaken Germany’s foreign and European policy.
EU Enlargement Begins with Security
The European Union is about to embrace gradual integration as a new, speedier path toward enlargement. It should start where failure would cost the most: security and defense.
China Starts to Take the EU Seriously
Even before the agreement to reduce Chinese hybrid car exports to Europe, opinion in China regarding the EU has been shifting. The Europeans are no longer seen as simply doing the Americans’ bidding. As a result, a confrontation now seems less likely.
EU China Policy Finally Gets a Franco-German Steering
With the non-paper aimed at trade with China, Paris and Berlin at last gave the European Commission the support it needed in its negotiations with Beijing. The next few months will show whether the trajectory of EU-China trade is really changing.
The Art of the Package Deal
In its enlargement policy reviews, the European Commission has brought up a number of well-known reform options. However, it has failed to suggest a way to overcome opposition, especially amongst smaller member states.
Middle Road to Nowhere?
After Mark Carney’s call for an “alliance of middle powers,” cooperation has indeed increased, but not quite in the way the Canadian prime minister intended.
The Looming Confrontation
While German politics are in disarray, the EU is approaching a moment of truth in its relationship with China.
Why Germany Should Not De-risk from France
Germany is asking itself whether it can continue to trust France if the far-right Marine Le Pen is elected president next spring. But that is the wrong question.
Public Goods, Public Questions
What is the role of the European Union when economics clashes with sovereignty and security?
Deterrence Is Now Key. But Don’t Forget About Arms Control
The Europeans should offer their expertise in setting up channels of communication and other arms-control measures to their Indo-Pacific partners. Such know-how may become useful sooner rather than later.