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The fine print for Europe’s ambitious reduction goal—90 percent by 2040—is on the line in Europe’s upcoming elections. 

European voters are in the habit of treating the European Parliament elections every five years as inconsequential protest votes based on national issues not related to the EU. But if they vote for the far right, it will have major economic, environmental, and geopolitical consequences.

Germany’s navy and air force are planning to beef up their participation in various military exercises halfway around the world in 2024. This speaks of a clearer strategy vis-à-vis China and the region.

It’s not much of a secret that Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz are very different characters. Their deepening rift is damaging the Franco-German relationship—and Europe.

The Orbán government’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union has sparked criticism. More important, however, is the question of how the EU deals with a member state that breaks away from the principles of the rule of law.

Africa is experiencing significant democratic backsliding in many countries. In their programs to support democratic elections, European funders should try to ensure they don’t play into the hands of authoritarians.

Competition for critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements is in full swing. If Europe wants to be a successful player, it must coordinate its efforts better.

Brussels has signaled that securing critical raw materials for the green transition is a top priority. But it faces major challenges in its competition with China, of which the biggest is how to convince companies to prioritize geopolitics over the market.

In 2020, the European Union spent big and agreed on a common vaccine strategy to survive the pandemic. Today, French President Emmanuel Macron believes EU cash and a common plan to arm Kyiv is what is needed to keep Russia at bay. 

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked some changes in German foreign and security policy. But on scores of issues that are in many cases fundamental, Berlin is finding it hard to abandon old certainties: five examples.

Rather than focusing on Donald Trump, Europeans should start thinking about what a second term for US President Joe Biden will mean.

In our inaugural IPQ Debate on Thursday, February 8, 12.30 to 13.30 PM (CET), we explore what a geostrategy for Europe should look like.