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What does Germany want from the so-called Global South, what does it have to offer it, and what is the competition doing? An interview with Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary (Deputy Minister) at the German Development Ministry. 

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. 

Washington has never been quite sure what it wants the Europeans to do militarily in the Indo-Pacific. The answer will only become clearer once Europe has rebuilt its military capacities. If it uses its potential, it will be able to act as a great power ally.

For the second year in a row, the UN climate change conference is being hosted in a country highly reliant on fossil fuels. Will Azerbaijan leverage COP29 to promote fossil fuel interests, or help chart a sustainable decarbonization path for petrostates?

Europe’s defense and security should be the number one issue for those countries that form “NATO’s European pillar” as well as those in the European Union. It is time to pull out all the stops to bolster the continent’s military capabilities.

Ukraine’s armed forces surprised many when they managed to counter-invade Russia in early August. In part, the Ukrainians acted out of a sense of urgency, something that is sorely lacking in Western debates.

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.

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.

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.

There is overwhelming support for greater defense efforts within the EU, with citizens considering it one of their most important concerns. The EU now needs to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action.

Europe’s fiscal future depends on raising productivity in the workforce, which can rise if men start pulling their weight at home.

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.