Charles Grant

Charles Grant

Director
Areas of expertise 

Britain's EU referendum, the 'future of Europe' debate, the euro, Russia, European foreign and defence policy and China's relations with the West.

Twitter 
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A new neighbourhood policy for the EU file thumbnail

A new neighbourhood policy for the EU

11 March 2011
The revolutions in North Africa have exposed the failings of the EU's neighbourhood policy. Rather than fostering democracy, the policy entrenched autocracy.
A new opportunity for EU foreign policy

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.
Reflections on Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa and the euro

Reflections on Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa and the euro

13 January 2011
At the end of last year, Europe lost Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, an eminent central banker and economist, and one of the founding fathers of the euro.
The next five years of the euro crisis

The next five years of the euro crisis: Five key questions

01 December 2010
Will the euro break up?
The euro crisis is rooted in structural imbalances that even on an optimistic scenario will endure for years. Germany has a current account surplus and weak domestic demand, while Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain - after years of profligacy - suffer from current account deficits...
Europe dances to Germany's tune

Europe dances to Germany's tune

03 November 2010
For much of this year, the response of European leaders to the eurozone crisis has been hesitant and fractious. But when the European Council met in Brussels on October 28th and 29th, the EU appeared to be acting with greater purpose and sense of direction.
Observations from Russia

Observations from Russia

23 September 2010
On a recent trip to Russia, I found that the momentum for reform, very evident last year, has dissipated. The more encouraging news is that Russia’s leaders are trying to be civil to Americans and Europeans.
US-China

The US-China 'reset': An opportunity for the EU

02 August 2010
Europe faces few bigger questions than how to handle China. Recent shifts in the Washington-Beijing relationship, together with changes in the EU itself, give the Europeans a chance to rethink their own relations with China.
In 2008 and 2009 China's foreign policy became more assertive. Deng Xiaoping's advice to his fellow...
Is China being beastly to foreign investors?

Is China being beastly to foreign investors?

30 July 2010
When I visited China a year ago, I was struck by the strong feeling among many foreign firms there that the business environment was getting tougher. Western businessmen complained, in particular, about discrimination against foreigners.
Will the Conservatives' charm offensive endure?

Will the Conservatives' charm offensive endure?

01 June 2010
The Eurosceptic conservatives are back in power, yet the government they lead is courting Britain's EU partners. In their early meetings with European leaders, David Cameron and his senior ministers have been all smiles and politesse.