Foreign policy & defence

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Can European defence take off?

Can European defence take off?

19 January 2024
The EU’s defence industrial policies will help determine whether Europeans can increase their ability to provide support to Ukraine, persuading Russia that its war is unwinnable.
A sea of troubles: Addressing the EU's incoherence on the Indo-Pacific

A sea of troubles: Addressing the EU's incoherence on the Indo-Pacific

Christina Keßler
08 January 2024
A security crisis in the Indo-Pacific would severely affect European interests.
Ukraine fatigue: Bad for Kyiv, bad for the West

Ukraine fatigue: Bad for Kyiv, bad for the West

21 November 2023
Some Western leaders are expressing ‘Ukraine fatigue’ – a luxury Ukrainians do not have. But the cost to Europe of Ukraine failing would be higher than that of helping it to win.
Europe and the Gaza conflict

Europe and the Gaza conflict

20 October 2023
Europe is divided on the Israel-Hamas conflict and has few good options to deal with it. But Europeans won’t be able to escape the conflict’s consequences. 

Europe and a new Middle East

05 October 2023
A new Middle East may be emerging as tensions thaw and US influence wanes. Europe needs different policies to deal with a changing region.  
NATO after Vilnius

NATO after Vilnius

03 July 2023
If NATO allies want to support Kyiv effectively and reinforce deterrence, they need to build up their industrial capacity and strengthen NATO’s European pillar.
Why Russia must pay for the damage it has done to Ukraine – and how to ensure it does

Why Russia must pay for the damage it has done to Ukraine – and how to ensure it does

Ian Bond, Timothy Ash
19 June 2023
Western taxpayers should not pay all the cost of reconstructing Ukraine, when there are Russian assets that could be used. 

EU-UK co-operation in defence capabilities after the war in Ukraine

09 June 2023
Despite warming EU-UK relations, defence co-operation remains thin and the EU’s deepening involvement in defence industrial policy means there is a growing gap in developing military capabilities.
Ukraine's progress towards NATO membership: Going from Bucharest to Vilnius without moving?

Ukraine's progress towards NATO membership: Going from Bucharest to Vilnius without moving?

08 June 2023
At its upcoming Vilnius summit, NATO is likely to offer Ukraine a closer relationship than before, but less than full membership.
Erdoğan's victory and the West

Erdoğan's victory and the West

31 May 2023
Erdoğan’s re-election as Turkish president means that Ankara’s relations with its Western allies will remain turbulent. The West should expect a bumpy ride. 

Protecting Europe's critical infrastructure from Russian hybrid threats

Helmi Pillai
25 April 2023
European policy-makers are concerned about the threat posed by Russia's hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure.
Note to the West: Help Georgia and Moldova as well as Ukraine

Note to the West: Help Georgia and Moldova as well as Ukraine

21 April 2023
Russian influence in Georgia and Moldova is a threat to Western interests. While Putin is tied up in Ukraine, the West should weaken his position in the other two states.

The best national security that (no) money can buy?

03 April 2023
The UK’s ‘Integrated Review refresh’ is more sober than its 2021 precursor. But the gap between the challenges the UK faces and the resources available to meet them has grown.

The EU and Turkey after the elections: The start of a new chapter?

29 March 2023
Whatever the outcome of the elections, Turkey and the EU will have shared challenges to address. But the result will define the likely balance between co-operation and confrontation for years.

A year of war in Europe: The balance sheet

22 February 2023
Since Russia attacked Ukraine, the CER has tracked the war’s effect on the protagonists, the EU, NATO and other powers. What conclusions can be drawn from the past year?
Finland should prepare to join NATO on its own

Finland should prepare to join NATO on its own

Helmi Pillai
16 February 2023
Last month, Turkey threatened to block Sweden’s NATO membership, while indicating its support for Finland’s accession to the alliance. If Turkey continues to block Swedish membership, Finland should join NATO alone. 

The impact of the war in Ukraine: Annual report 2022

10 February 2023
The CER's annual report starts with an essay on how the war in Ukraine is changing Europe. The report then highlights some of the CER's most important publications and events from 2022.
Europe and the Iran nuclear threat

Europe and the Iran nuclear threat

06 February 2023
Efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have stalled and Tehran is closer than ever to having nuclear weapons. Europe needs a new strategy.
Germany, Russia and Ukraine: From 'Turning Point' to missing the point

Germany, Russia and Ukraine: From 'Turning Point' to missing the point

27 January 2023
Germany’s slowness in authorising the supply of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine was bad news for Ukraine, European security and Germany itself. But other Western leaders should not be too smug.