Foreign policy & defence
Europe and its South China Sea dilemma
19 September 2016
Few issues in today's international politics are as thorny as the disputes in the South China Sea. A recent international ruling complicates matters further. Europe's response has been too weak.
Security of supply in EU defence: Friends in need?
17 August 2016
In its drive to establish EU-wide security of supply for the defence market, Brussels faces protectionism, a flawed notion of European strategic autonomy and mistrust among governments.
Can the EU-Turkey migration deal survive Erdoğan’s purges?
02 August 2016
Erdoğan’s actions threaten to derail the migration deal. The EU should postpone visa liberalisation and show it is willing to be tough.
Brexit and foreign policy: Divorce?
18 July 2016
The British government must work hard to minimise the damage to its international influence from Brexit. First step: more investment in relations with European partners.
NATO, the EU and Brexit: Joining forces?
05 July 2016
NATO and the EU must work together to manage crises in Europe’s neighbourhood. The UK’s referendum vote has given them one more problem to solve.
Britain, the EU and security: Only one thing worse than fighting with allies
21 June 2016
The threats to Britain are diverse, and shared with Europe. Responses must be equally flexible and multinational. The age of splendid isolation is not coming back.
Is the EU to blame for the crisis in Ukraine?
01 June 2016
Brexiters accuse the EU of blundering into Ukraine and provoking conflict with Russia. But Brussels’ attempt to boost trade with Ukraine cannot justify Russia’s military intervention.
Bulletin Issue 108 - June/July 2016
27 May 2016
- Why Britain voted to leave (if it does...), Charles Grant
- Five Brexit economic myths, Simon Tilford
- The EU after Bremain: Kiss and make up?, Ian Bond
An EU army? Four reasons it will not happen
12 May 2016
The EU army is a pipe-dream that blocks progress on Europe's defence needs. It does not reflect the realities of EU defence co-operation.
The US, Britain and the EU: Who cares?
21 April 2016
When Obama speaks out against Brexit, he will be protecting America’s interests. That does not mean that he is wrong.
Europe after Brexit: Unleashed or undone?
15 April 2016
If Britain left the EU, the character of the Union would change. The UK has driven economic liberalisation and foreign policy co-operation, and has made the EU's machinery more efficient.
Shaping 21st century trade: TTIP, global standards and multilateralism
08 April 2016
If TTIP is open to other countries, a deal can reduce the cost of business while setting new global benchmarks and rules for trade.
About that other referendum...
31 March 2016
The April 6th Dutch referendum on the EU’s association agreement with Ukraine comes two months before the UK’s Brexit referendum. Together, they reveal a worrying trend in European politics.
Into the bazaar of EU-Turkey relations
23 March 2016
If the EU is more strategic in dealing with Turkey, it can pursue its interests without compromising its values.
Bulletin Issue 107 - April/May 2016
23 March 2016
- Cameron's deal is more than it seems, Charles Grant
- Into the bazaar of EU-Turkey relations, Rem Korteweg
- Why the EU's market matters to Britain, John Springford
The refugee crisis: Fixing Schengen is not enough
17 February 2016
Europe's refugee crisis is a foreign policy crisis with domestic spill-over; it has to be solved abroad as well as at home.
No denial: How NATO can deter a creeping Russian threat
09 February 2016
Russia is sowing uncertainty about its intentions on NATO's eastern borders. At the Warsaw Summit in June, NATO should take steps to strengthen its deterrence.
Cameron's security gamble: Is Brexit a strategic risk?
21 December 2015
Britain has shown its international ambitions with airstrikes in Syria and an important defence and security review. But the referendum on EU membership threatens Britain's interests.
Bulletin Issue 105 - December 2015/January 2016
30 November 2015
- Britain, immigration and Brexit, Simon Tilford
- Adrift: The impact of the ECJ's Safe Harbour ruling, Camino Mortera-Martinez, Rem Korteweg
- Millstone or multiplier? EU foreign policy, Ian Bond
China's European charm offensive: Silk Road or Silk Rope?
27 November 2015
China is building closer relations with European countries, offering investments to all. EU member-states should welcome China’s contribution, without abandoning European values and interests.