Foreign policy & defence
Can Josep Borrell get EU foreign policy off the ground?
30 September 2019
The EU’s new foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, may struggle to co-ordinate the Union’s external activities in the face of rival European commissioners and unruly member-states.
Up in arms: Warring over Europe's arms export regime
10 September 2019
The European Union's poorly co-ordinated arms export policy is undermining Europe's foreign policy, credibility as a principled power and defence industry. The EU should take steps to move towards convergence.
Will the 'Servant of the People' be the master of Ukraine?
31 July 2019
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, now has a parliamentary majority behind him. The West can help to ensure he uses it to enact much-needed reforms.
A troubled partnership: The US and Europe in the Middle East
10 July 2019
Trump's policies towards the Middle East have led to a serious transatlantic rift, particularly over Iran. To secure its interests in the region, Europe will need to shake off its passivity.
Huawei, my way or the highway: Which way should the EU turn?
18 June 2019
The EU and US both worry about China’s industrial espionage and unfair competition. But the US risks creating needless confrontation if it coerces Europeans into banning Huawei from 5G networks.
Bulletin Issue 126 - June/July 2019
04 June 2019
- The European Parliament elections: No grounds for complacency, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska
- The EU needs an effective common arms export policy, Sophia Besch, Beth Oppenheim
- Competition policy in the 21st century: Size isn't everything, John Springford
The EU needs an effective common arms export policy
04 June 2019
The EU’s strategic interests and credibility are harmed by its ineffective and incoherent approach to arms export policy.
Should the EU make foreign policy decisions by majority voting?
15 May 2019
The current decision-making processes undermine the effectiveness of EU foreign policy. Extending majority voting would lead to more ambitious compromises.
You never listen to me: The European-Saudi relationship after Khashoggi
02 May 2019
The EU has avoided confronting Saudi Arabia on its violations of international law. Now is the time for recalibration: the EU needs a firm, united policy towards the kingdom.
Bulletin Issue 125 - April/May 2019
22 March 2019
- The European Parliament elections: Different this time?, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska, Leonard Schuette
- Dreaming of life after Brexit, Sam Lowe
- Appalled by strategic autonomy? Applaud it instead, Sophia Besch
Appalled by strategic autonomy? Applaud it instead
22 March 2019
Strategic autonomy is a sign of the transatlantic relationship’s inevitable progression. Europeans and Americans need to manage the growing pains that will accompany Europe’s ambitions.
Europe without the UK: Liberated or diminished?
13 March 2019
In 2016 the CER made ten predictions about the effect of Brexit on future EU policy. How do they stand up now, on the eve of the UK’s departure?
Five years (is/is not)* a long time in Ukrainian politics (*Delete as applicable)
14 February 2019
It is five years since Ukraine’s then president, Viktor Yanukovych, fled the country for Russia. Since then, some commentators say a lot has changed, while others say not much. But however confused the picture, Ukraine still merits attention.
The lessons of Brexit: Annual report 2018
04 February 2019
The CER's annual report features an essay on the lessons of Brexit. It also describes some of the highlights among our events and publications during the year we celebrated our 20th birthday.
Trump's foreign policy: Two years of living dangerously
25 January 2019
President Donald Trump has given America’s traditional allies cause to worry that the US will withdraw from its global role. Those allies must now avoid precipitating what they fear most.
Bulletin Issue 124 - February/March 2019
25 January 2019
- How to combat Europe's economic slowdown, Christian Odendahl
- Trump's foreign policy: Two years of living dangerously, Ian Bond
- Is Spain simply late to Europe's populist party?, Camino Mortera-Martinez
Trump's Iran policy leaves the EU few options
11 December 2018
Trump’s decision to re-impose sanctions has placed the Iran nuclear agreement on life support and further destabilised the region. Unwilling to seriously support the deal, Europeans will have to rely on diplomacy to limit the damage.
Bulletin Issue 123 - December 2018/January 2019
29 November 2018
- An effective UK trade policy and a customs union are compatible, Sam Lowe
- China and Europe: Buying hearts and minds?, Ian Bond
- What is Europe doing to fight disinformation?, Camino Mortera-Martinez
China and Europe: Buying hearts and minds?
29 November 2018
The EU does not need to compete financially with China’s grandiose ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) everywhere. But it should at least stop China buying the support of EU member-states.
Is Trump right to nuke the INF Treaty?
02 November 2018
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is a cornerstone of European stability. The US should challenge Russian treaty violations, but not abandon the treaty without a better plan.