Foreign policy & defence
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.
The EU, the US and the Middle East Peace Process: Two-state solution – or dissolution?
11 July 2019
Jared Kushner's economic plan for the Palestinians will erode the two-state solution. By easing tensions, the EU can preserve it. But Europe can no longer afford to be passive.
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.
Trump's state visit to a country in a state
31 May 2019
Donald Trump may be an unwelcome visitor to London, but the special relationship’s travails should not obscure the transatlantic partnership’s enduring importance to the US, the UK and Europe.
The EU can keep the Iran nuclear deal alive
16 May 2019
Iran’s announcement that it will no longer comply with parts of the international nuclear agreement has put the EU in a difficult position. But modest moves by Europe could increase the chances that the core of the deal will survive.
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.
NATO at 70: Twilight years or a new dawn?
03 April 2019
As NATO celebrates its 70th anniversary, the most serious threats to its survival are as much internal as external.
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.
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.
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.
Protecting European networks: What can NATO do?
31 October 2018
With the 'cyber defence pledge' NATO is trying to get its allies to do more to protect their networks. The alliance should lead by example.
Premature elections won't stabilise Libya
10 October 2018
The push for elections in Libya risks deepening the country’s divisions. Europe should agree on a common position, and work towards a settlement acceptable to key Libyan and regional players.
Moving Balkan borders: Peace plan or Pandora's box?
28 September 2018
Moving borders in the Western Balkans is risky, but might occasionally be the best option. The EU should not block a Serbia/Kosovo deal, but should work on risk mitigation.
Europe should keep Turkey close
27 July 2018
EU-Turkey relations have deteriorated sharply in recent years, and even maintaining transactional co-operation could become increasingly difficult. The challenge for Europe is how to prevent relations from souring further.
Trump's two summits: Can NATO navigate the dangers?
04 July 2018
Donald Trump attacked his allies at the G7 summit, then embraced North Korea’s Kim. Will summits with NATO and Vladimir Putin follow the same pattern?
Beyond firefighting: An EU strategy for Gaza
29 June 2018
The EU should respond more robustly to the recent violence in Gaza. The Trump administration is not a credible mediator; the EU should step in.
Moving on after Galileo – lessons (to be) learnt
28 June 2018
The EU and the UK have not been able to come to an agreement over Britain’s participation in the Galileo programme.
Plugging in the British: Completing the circuit
22 June 2018
Post-Brexit internal and external security co-operation arrangements seem as hard for the EU and UK to agree on as trade. Other third countries’ relationships with the EU provide models.