How the Ukraine War Is Impacting the Middle East
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is likely to exacerbate instability in the Middle East. And that will have implications for Europe’s security.
Russian Energy Out, African Energy In?
In its attempt to drastically reduce its dependency on Russian oil and gas, Europe is turning to Africa. But the move is problematic, as producing fossil fuels on the continent presents its own challenges.
Europe’s Watershed Moment
In moving to help Ukraine and eventually accept it as a member, the European Union has taken a consequential step.
The EU and the War in Ukraine (I): The Curse of Being Important. A View from Poland
Poland’s actions following the outbreak of war in Ukraine—its break with Hungary, its openness toward the refugees—do not necessarily signal a shift back to liberal democratic values. The national populist government’s focus is Ukraine’s and, invariably, Poland’s right to self-determination.
What Europe Thinks ... About Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused a surge in support for the country’s EU membership. However there already signs that support may be cooling. And doubts persist about whether Ukraine can fulfil the many accession criteria.
Transatlantic Sanctions Policy and the Rise of Middle Powers
By countering Russia’s war against Ukraine through trade and finance, the United States and Europe are increasing the leverage of the likes of India and Turkey which seize on market disruptions to advance domestic or regional priorities. Economic policy-making must adapt to a diversified set of powerbrokers.
Recalibrating the Franco-German Engine
French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to provide fresh impetus to the Franco-German partnership. Yet to avail of the opportunities ahead the duo needs to also open up to others in Europe.
A Different Dynamic in EU-India Relations
When India abstained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it caused unease in Europe. But the EU should focus on what it can reasonably expect from New Delhi, and that means looking for cooperation on dealing with Beijing not Moscow.
The Great Disruptor
Boris Johnson relishes his role as Mr. Unpredictable when it comes to the United Kingdom’s foreign relations. Other countries will have to get used to the mayhem.
The EU and the War in Ukraine (II): Wider and Deeper. A View from Spain
Spain is experiencing a "watershed moment" of its own, with the public at times even favoring NATO’s intervention should Vladimir Putin not stop Russia’s offensive in Ukraine. There is also strong support for a geopolitical EU. To achieve it, widening and deepening must go together.
Safe Harbors and Uncertain Prospects
With war raging in Ukraine, the countries of Southeastern Europe are increasingly relevant, particularly in terms of infrastructure. Politically they could also become more important, if the EU played its cards right.
Signs of the Times
Slowly, Germany’s political class has caught up with the present. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Green Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck are starting to prepare Germany for a future that the country did not reckon with.