How Europe Should React to Shifts in US Ukraine Policy
Most European governments have gradually expanded their support, but Ukraine’s ability to defend itself continues to depend significantly on the United States. What could happen after the US elections?
Parliament Must Complete France’s Ballot Box Revolution
The new Assemblée Nationale’s most important task is to adopt an electoral system based on proportional representation. Only then can France’s transition from a presidential to a parliamentary democracy succeed and the far right be kept in check.
A Solution to EU’s Chinese Greenfield Investments Conundrum
In the debate about tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, greenfield investments are the elephant in the room. By imposing clauses and guardrails, the EU could turn them into an advantage.
Op-Ed: NATO’s Washington Summit Should Send a Signal of Strength
The transatlantic alliance should make it clear that it is ready to face the ever-closer combination of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It’s essential that Germany becomes a reliable ally again.
Beijing Watches Warily as Northeast Asia’s Alliances Shift
The recent conclusion of a Russia-North Korea pact is likely to unnerve China even more than the building of a Japan-South Korea-United States alliance.
The Growing Chasm Between French and German Political Parties
German and French political parties that might ostensibly share the same traditions and ideologies are actually moving further and further apart.
France, Germany, and the Nature of Europe
The Franco-German relationship remains irreplaceable for the EU. But it urgently needs to be renewed to include European goals.
What the French Think … About the Germans and Vice Versa
A number of recent surveys support the view that the French and the Germans are drifting apart. Strong cross-border initiatives in the fields of education, public media, culture, and tourism remain potent counterweights.
How Franco-German Cultural Relations Have Waned
While the people of France and Germany have a largely positive image of the other country, that does not mean that they know or feel a particular empathy for each other.
“Don’t Buy Greenland, Buy Its Minerals”
In the green resource race, the United States and the EU should look to the big island in the North Atlantic and forge a common approach, providing expertise and facilitating the needed investments.
Germany’s Toxic Far Right
Scandals have only dented, but not eroded support for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland. In September, the party could come close to political power at the regional level. The case for banning it is getting stronger.
The Fractured Relationship
Franco-German relations have been rocky of late, but recently, they seemed to have taken a turn for the better. If France’s parliament is now conquered by the far right or becomes deadlocked, that relationship is likely to become even more deeply fractured.