European foreign policies & institutions
The European External Action Service
15 March 2013
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is, potentially, a very useful tool for enhancing British influence in the EU and in the world.
In Mali, now comes the hard part
22 February 2013
France and other EU countries confront four main challenges in the Mali crisis. As the EU launches a training mission, the hardest work still lies ahead.
US foreign policy after the presidential election: What should Europeans expect?
25 October 2012
For all the sparring between the presidential candidates on US foreign policy, a second Obama term or a Romney administration would have a lot in common.
Burma: An EU foreign policy success
23 August 2012
Burma's rulers could not modernise its economy unless the EU lifted sanctions. But the EU insisted on political reform, which is now happening.
Are Europeans a better transatlantic security partner than meets the eye?
06 July 2012
Europeans are less willing to use military force than their US allies. But they are still making significant contributions to global stability.
Europe's External Action Service: Ten steps towards a credible EU foreign policy
04 July 2012
The EU's new diplomatic service has been widely criticised. Although the EEAS has achieved more than many acknowledge, it can still do a lot better.
NATO ponders austerity and US 'pivot'
18 May 2012
The US sees itself as a Pacific power, and the Europeans are busy plundering their defence budgets. Does NATO have a future?
Poland's U-turn on European defence: A missed opportunity?
09 March 2012
In failing to respond to Poland's proposals on EU defence, European governments are missing an opportunity to improve Europe's ability to tackle military crises abroad.
All alone? What US retrenchment means for Europe and NATO
01 March 2012
With the US reducing its role in NATO, the Europeans need to assume more military responsibility, and the alliance needs to narrow its ambitions.
Why France is leaving Afghanistan
02 February 2012
France has sent a clear message by withdrawing its troops early from Afghanistan: NATO is failing to meet its objectives. The problem lies in Kabul not Paris.
The US declares peace in Europe, prematurely
26 January 2012
The Pentagon's 'strategic guidance', released on January 5th, makes three key changes: it establishes Asia as the focus of US military efforts, with the Middle East a close second. It foresees fewer 'nation-building'
missions such as the one in Afghanistan, and more strikes from afar and from the air, sometimes...
missions such as the one in Afghanistan, and more strikes from afar and from the air, sometimes...
What Europe's new diplomatic service can do for Britain
10 January 2012
Following a recent agreement on EU foreign policy the UK should not miss an opportunity to use Europe's new diplomatic service to reinforce British interests.
The US and the EU should support the Palestinian bid for UN membership
25 August 2011
The US and the EU should support the Palestinian request for UN recognition. If framed constructively, the Palestinian initiative can strengthen the prospects for peace.
Britain draws the wrong lessons from Libya
01 August 2011
When it comes to defence, the United Kingdom is giving up on the EU. For most Britons, the war in Libya has confirmed that the majority of European countries are simply not serious about defence.
What Libya says about the future of the transatlantic alliance
29 July 2011
Libya is the first war fought according to Barack Obama's rules, with the United States taking a back seat. The Europeans responded well: by taking decisive military action to maintain the stability of their neighbourhood.
The EU and Russia: All smiles and no action?
18 April 2011
The relationship between the EU and Russia has been warmer than it has been for year. Yet there has been little progress on a new bilateral treaty, an energy dialogue, the new modernisation partnership or security co-operation.
A new opportunity for EU foreign policy
01 February 2011
The EU's foreign policy has not impressed many people in recent years. A wide range of views among member-states has made it hard for the EU to develop focused policies on key issues such as Russia and China.
Issue 76 - 2011
28 January 2011
- European political parties are the key to EU legitimacy, Sir Julian Priestley
- A new opportunity for EU foreign policy, Charles Grant, Katinka Barysch, Tomas Valasek
- Is Germany really rebalancing?, Simon Tilford
Ukraine turns away from democracy and the EU
15 October 2010
Ukraine is turning inwards and becoming increasingly authoritarian. The new president, Viktor Yanukovich, has taken steps to muzzle independent media, harass critics and sideline the opposition.
The midterm elections, Europe and US foreign policy
01 October 2010
Though Barack Obama remains popular in Europe, he has his detractors there, particularly among foreign policy professionals.