From Beijing to Kyiv
With his second visit to Beijing to see Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz set himself up for a failure. In contrast, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, when visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky three days later, had a firmer grasp of realities.
France’s Olympic Chance
French glamour and pride will be showcased when Paris hosts the Olympic Games this summer—while exposing endemic faults that urgently need fixing.
In the Global South, Chinese EVs Leave European Automakers in the Dust
The low prices of BYD and other Chinese EV makers are terrifying policymakers in Western countries that have domestic car brands to protect. They are right to worry.
What Germany Can Learn from Japan’s Zeitenwende
Germany’s "historic turn" in security affairs still has much potential. Chancellor Olaf Scholz should look to Japan’s example to realize it.
Why Macron’s Ukraine Offensive Is Unlikely to be a Winner at Home
President Emmanuel Macron is hoping that his tougher line vis-à-vis Russia will endear his party to voters. But the French care much less about foreign policy than one might think.
France’s Pivot to Europe
The European Union seems disoriented in 2024. The German chancellor is turning to Washington when leadership is needed. That leaves French President Emmanuel Macron.
Europe’s Hamiltonian Test Is Still to Come
The debate about further enhancing the EU’s financial firepower has led nowhere and might actually be regressing. It is time to discuss the future of the EU budget, its capacity to borrow and Europe’s taxing power with greater urgency.
What Europe Thinks … About Who to Vote for in the European Parliament Elections
The European Parliament elections may augur whether the rest of the West will swing in a populist direction.
A Connected Europe in the Digital World
The EU needs more than rules to forge a successful technological future. Its digital policy will serve the bloc better if it stays open and consciously linked to the rest of the world.
Europe’s Vote, Europe’s Future
The European Parliament elections in June will be the most consequential yet.
Europe’s Impossible Middle East Mission
The EU has despatched a maritime mission to the Red Sea, in defense of maritime security and the freedom of navigation. Whether or not the root cause—Israel’s war in Gaza—is brought to an end will determine success or failure.
Germany Needs to Recover Its European Spirit
The government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz set out to define its foreign and security policy in “the European interest,” but has regularly failed to do so. It should change course now.