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As the rivalry grows between the US and China, Beijing is regarding Europe as an increasingly important player. While it has recently ramped up its charm offensive, irritants in the relationship remain.

The stakes for Europe to recalibrate its policy vis-à-vis Beijing are rising. Berlin and Brussels have more leeway than they might realize, but will need to take tough decisions.

A battle of egos between Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel is putting the European Union’s post-pandemic solidarity at risk. The EU’s standard-bearers should do a better job of putting policy goals ahead of personal ambition.

Six years after his famous Sorbonne speech on “European sovereignty,” the French president is pondering a new, legacy-building EU initiative. This time it’s likely focused on institutional reform.

The European Union needs to urgently prepare for uncertain times ahead and begin to build the blocks of “de-risking” its relations with China.

The EU-Mercosur agreement has been dormant since 2019. However, it is the key missing piece in the EU’s approach to Latin America and the Caribbean. Its enactment would be an important sign of Brussels willingness to engage differently with the so-called Global South.

Climate change is more than just a collective action problem. In some cases, geopolitical competition can even help reduce emissions.

Germany’s new defense minister has not set a foot wrong since taking over from Christine Lambrecht in January. However, it is the outcome of the current fight over the defense budget that will likely define his time in office.

Germany’s China policy was long shaped by the country’s economic interests and the illusion that engagement could help bring about change. Beijing’s more assertive foreign policy has led to an awakening in Berlin. But how far will the German government go in redefining its relations with China?

The gloves are off between the United States and China. How should the Europeans respond?

In Europe, China’s charm offensive is increasing falling on deaf ears, as attitudes harden, in part due to Beijing’s tacit support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

The Baltic States, Central Europe, France, the Nordic countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States have all reacted to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in their own, but often similar ways.