Foreign policy & defence
The EU and Russia: Uncommon spaces
16 April 2014
The House of Lords has published a report on the EU and Russia, incorporating recommendations from this 2014 policy brief - a good guide to a troubled relationship.
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
How to reduce dependence on Russian gas
10 April 2014
Europe should improve energy efficiency, develop all alternative gas sources, and expand renewable, CCS and nuclear energy. The foreign policy advantages would justify the cost.
Can the EU help Belarus to guard its independence?
03 April 2014
The annexation of Crimea has made Belarus nervous. It plans to join Russia's Eurasian Economic Union - but also hopes for closer ties to the EU.
Europe and Russia: Continental divide?
01 April 2014
In annexing Crimea, Putin has violated a taboo. The West should respond by deterring further adventurism, reinforcing regional security and encouraging change in Russia.
Issue 95 - 2014
31 March 2014
- Poland and Ukraine: A tale of two economies, Simon Tilford
- Who will run Europe?, Charles Grant
- Human rights and policy wrongs, Ian Bond
Poland and Ukraine: A tale of two economies
31 March 2014
The EU finally needs to fulfil its moral obligation to Ukraine: to treat it like any other sovereign country trying to escape Russia's grasp.
Ukraine after Yanukovych: Dropping the pirate?
28 February 2014
President Yanukovych has gone but Ukraine's problems have not. Russia and the EU can help; but Ukrainians themselves need to undertake difficult reforms.
Annual report 2013
10 February 2014
Charles Grant discusses the challenges facing the EU in 2014, such as the European elections, Britain's slide towards the exit and the continuing travails of the eurozone.
Issue 94 - 2014
27 January 2014
- Britain's populist arms race over immigration , John Springford, Simon Tilford
- EU-Russia relations: Partnership on ice?, Ian Bond
- Why Europe should broaden its horizons in the Sahel, Rem Korteweg
Why Europe should broaden its horizons in the Sahel
27 January 2014
The Sahel stretches from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, touching on 13 countries from Senegal to Eritrea. Turmoil is spreading across the region, putting European security interests at risk, yet Brussels is scrambling to respond.
The EU and defence procurement
15 January 2014
Against a background of falling European defence budgets, the European Commission has sought to increase the efficiency of the European defence market by reducing barriers to intra-EU defence trade and by encouraging competition.
Gas on troubled waters?
13 January 2014
Cyprus must find a way to export its natural gas. A grand bargain with Israel and Turkey would improve politics in the region and benefit Europe.
Running into the sand? The EU's faltering response to the Arab revolutions
18 December 2013
A new, pragmatic approach to the southern neighbourhood is needed if the EU wants to address the political, economic, social and security challenges following the Arab Spring.
Not flashy but effective: Closer EU co-operation in defence investments
13 December 2013
This month, European leaders will discuss how to strengthen EU military co-operation. It is the first time that defence has been on the European Council’s agenda since 2008and EU officials had hoped the member-states would unveil bold initiatives to stem the deterioration of their armed forces.
The Eastern Partnership: The road from Vilnius leads to ...?
09 December 2013
The EU's Eastern Partners are increasingly heterogeneous. Reform-minded Georgia and Moldova deserve support; Ukraine needs tough love. The EU should stand up to Russian pressure.
Fail to plan, plan to fail: European security and defence
29 November 2013
In December, EU leaders will discuss defence. Instead of wrangling over capability shortfalls, they should first agree what they want to achieve, and how.
CSDP between internal constraints and external challenges
31 October 2013
EU Institute for Security Studies
Improving Europe's military and civilian capabilities in a shifting security environment represents a major challenge for the EU and its member-states.
Ukraine: Edging towards the EU?
24 October 2013
If Ukraine signs an EU Association Agreement next month, that is only the start. Implementing it will take hard work from Kyiv and support from Brussels.
Division and indecision over Syria
18 September 2013
The Syrian crisis has split Europe and the US. They should push for a common Security Council position, but an ambiguous resolution may lead to military action and further division.
The Commons vote on Syria: The world turned upside down
04 September 2013
Britain has long boasted of punching above its weight. Does Parliament's vote on Syria change that? Will others take over Britain's role or follow its example?