Home (Page 6)
The Price of Overcoming Unanimity
The European Union often fails to make its mark on global affairs due to internal divisions. Scrapping the unanimity requirement for European foreign policy positions could help—but it can’t come without burden-sharing.
Von der Leyen’s in and the Spitzenkandidat’s Dead
The German defence minister has squeaked through by just nine votes. But it is the EU institutions, and not Von der Leyen, who are to blame.
Von der Leyen Is in Trouble
The European Council’s pick is in serious doubt after MEPs left meetings with her this week unimpressed.
Enhancing the EU’s Civilian Missions
Last year member states agreed to reform the EU’s civilian CSDP missions. Now tough decisions loom.
A German Paradox
For the first time in over 50 years, a German has been nominated as President of the European Commission. Yet Ursula von der Leyen’s loudest critics are back home.
Institutional War
By choosing Ursula von der Leyen, the European Council has thrown down the gauntlet to the European Parliament.
Spoiled Victors
Angela Merkel’s carefully-crafted compromise idea was rejected by centrist members of her EPP group, including Ireland’s Leo Varadkar.
Europe by Numbers: Greens Up, Reds Down
With Germany’s political landscape in upheaval, observers of German politics may be excused for thinking that the world is caving in. In late May, …
Postcard from the New Silk Road: A Highway to Nowhere
Eating hot pot in the North Macedonian mountains, a group of Sinohydro workers is roughing it.
The Other Asian Power
The second Modi government offers Europe political stability and openness to foreign companies. It also shares a view of China. This May, incumbent Prime …
Alliance for Multilateralism – An Australian View
The German-French initiative to strengthen multilateralism looks compatible with Australia’s interests. But Canberra wonders where the United States fits in. Acting in concert with …
Sino-Russian Chimera
China and Russia seem to be getting ever closer, but the image of a deep Putin-Xi friendship can be deceiving. The EU should soberly …
Close-Up: Nicola Sturgeon
As Brexit looms, Scotland’s first minister may have another opportunity to make the case for leaving the United Kingdom.
Carbon Critical: Flight Shaming
Traveling by plane is terrible for the environment. Yet aviation is very difficult to decarbonize. What’s the future of flying in a world of …
Missing in Libya
The civil war in Libya is getting worse, carrying the risk of spreading instability and extremism. Another refugee crisis could be looming.Yet so far …
The Glass Is Half Full
Integrating refugees is painfully slow business―even slower than for other groups of migrants. Among Western countries, Germany is actually doing reasonably well. It was …
