European foreign policies & institutions
Can EU-UK defence negotiations be positive-sum?
30 May 2018
It is clearly in Britain and the European Union’s mutual interest to continue working closely together on defence after Brexit. Nevertheless, negotiating defence co-operation will not be pain-free; there are obstacles to a quick and easy deal.
EU has little choice but to try to keep the Iran deal alive
11 May 2018
The EU is unlikely to risk a major confrontation with the US over the Iran deal. But even small steps can help buy time and preserve the deal.
Bulletin Issue 119 - April/May 2018
22 March 2018
- The member-states and the EU: Taking back control?, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska
- British foreign policy after Brexit: Hand in hand?, Ian Bond
- Europe's cyber problem, Camino Mortera-Martinez
Plugging in the British: EU foreign policy
06 March 2018
As part of the EU, the UK has been able to leverage the resources of other member-states to support Britain’s foreign and development priorities. After Brexit, that will be harder.
From 14 points to 280 characters: Trump vs Wilson
22 January 2018
Woodrow Wilson's 14 points of January 1918 were the first sketch of the liberal, rules-based international order. A century later, Donald Trump risks demolishing the edifice.
PESCO: Paper tiger, paper tanks?
29 November 2017
For PESCO to become more than another EU defence paper tiger, it must develop effective assessment mechanisms and deliver on filling European capability gaps.
Trump, Europe and the Middle East peace process: A path out of the quicksand
23 June 2017
The Middle East peace process is frozen. Rather than attempting to reach an all-or-nothing final agreement, Europe and the US should pursue an incremental approach.
Europe's NATO balancing act
24 May 2017
This week in Brussels, Europe's leaders must not only convince President Donald Trump of NATO's value, but also push for Europe's NATO priorities.
Contested space: Eastern Europe between Russia and the EU
09 March 2017
The EU's Eastern Partners are caught between the West, which excludes them from its organisations, and Russia, which tries to force them into its orbit.
The EU and Libya: Realism or irrelevance
03 February 2017
Europe cannot view Libya only through the lens of migration. It needs to stabilise the country, brokering a compromise between different factions.
EU defence, Brexit and Trump: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
14 December 2016
Brexit and Trump compel European leaders to get serious about EU defence. But a lack of leadership and investment will make sustaining their efforts difficult.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.