Foreign policy & defence
Can Europe overcome its paralysis on Israel and Palestine?
26 February 2020
Despite Trump, the EU can still play a leading role in promoting a just resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. To influence, the Union will need to go beyond statements.
Is the time ripe for the EU to rethink its relations with Belarus?
24 February 2020
The EU’s policy towards Belarus has been unambitious. Although Moscow’s recent push for Belarus-Russia integration may open new opportunities for EU engagement, rewards may be slow to appear.
Can France and Germany steer Europe to success? Annual report 2019
06 February 2020
The CER's annual report features an essay on the state Franco-German friendship. It also describes some of the CER’s achievements in 2019, including the increasingly prominent role played by our Brussels and Berlin offices.
The EU and US must work together to end the siege of Tripoli
30 January 2020
The conflict in Libya is spiralling out of control despite the recent Berlin conference. Europeans need to work with the US to pressure regional powers to stop fuelling fighting.
UK foreign and security policy after Brexit
27 January 2020
Since the 19th century, Britain has seen alliances as temporary and interests as permanent. But Brexit will dissolve a partnership, while simultaneously harming the UK’s domestic and external security interests.
Will the Normandy Four summit bring "peace for our time" to Ukraine?
05 December 2019
The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany will meet in Paris on December 9th to discuss how to end the Donbas conflict. But this summit brings both opportunities and risks.
Bulletin issue 129 - December 2019/January 2020
28 November 2019
- How should the EU 'get Brexit done'?, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska
- How economically damaging will Brexit be?, John Springford
- Defence without direction, Sophia Besch
Defence without direction
28 November 2019
The EU is strengthening its defence capabilities, but Europeans risk losing sight of how they want to use them.
Towards a European Security Council?
27 November 2019
France and Germany have discussed forming a ‘European Security Council’ to strengthen European foreign policy and co-ordinate closely with the UK after Brexit. While it could make Europe stronger, it may also prove divisive.
One step closer to a rupture: Europe, the US and Turkey
17 October 2019
Turkey’s relations with the EU and US are in freefall after its new offensive in northern Syria. The EU should do what it can to avoid a broader rupture between Ankara and the West.
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