All Articles

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is likely to exacerbate instability in the Middle East. And that will have implications for Europe’s security.

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.

In moving to help Ukraine and eventually accept it as a member, the European Union has taken a consequential step.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.