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In the aftermath of the launch of DeepSeek, China’s political goal of a vast AI expansion is gaining traction. Europe should be ready.

China’s top diplomat has proposed aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with Global Gateway, the EU’s infrastructure investment strategy. If it does choose this path, Brussels must remain clear-eyed about the BRI’s firmly China-centric nature.

It’s difficult enough for Europe to find the right response to the ever-closer Russia-China relationship. The apparent US attempt to split Moscow from Beijing is making matters worse.

Worries about Chinese one-sided industrial and export policies are increasing not only in Europe, but also among nations of the Global South. This provides the EU with a chance to offer an alternative model.

Beijing has been outpacing Brussels in the so-called Global South. Now the EU must rethink its global game plan.

The European Union needs to reduce its dependence on the United States. This should not come at the cost of a greater reliance on China.

Common EU debt issuance does not create an off-the-shelf bazooka. Making bonds work implies inevitable trade-offs and requires real tax revenues.

The Trump administration is likely to change course on Ukraine. Their options limited, the Europeans need to prepare for “deal” and “no deal” scenarios.

There is a chance for renewing the transatlantic relationship under the second Trump administration.

The threat posed by Russia has spurred NATO and EU members to start rebuilding their military capabilities. Maintaining policy attention will be key.

Europe needs to deepen its defense industrial base. And closer cooperation would enhance the continent’s defense posture, too.

Securing the future defense of the Euro-Atlantic in an Indo-Pacific era will be critical for Europe. A robust strategy is needed to keep the CRINK states―China, Russia, Iran, North Korea―in check.