An EU Global Moment: Finding a Path to Peace in Afghanistan and Syria
The absence of a viable post-war policy for Afghanistan and Syria under the Trump administration opens the window for the EU.
A Question of Survival
The EU can no longer afford to conduct a foreign policy based on the lowest common denominator. It needs to adapt to new realities―and fast.
Von der Leyen’s Foreign Policy Bucket List
On external relations, the next European Commission needs to
think bigger than its predecessors.
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.
QMV + CFSP = A-OK
It is too easy for individual member-states to block EU sanctions and or diplomatic statements. Extending majority voting to foreign policy would encourage greater unity.
United They Stand
As the Brexit process begins the British government finds it has few friends left.
Missing a Chance, Again
After hundreds of thousands of dead, and millions of refugees, the EU urgently needs to take the lead in ending the brutal civil war in Syria that has transformed the country into a geopolitical battleground.
Apocalyptic Vision
IS is more of a sect than a terrorist organization, isolating its members and providing them with an end-of-days ideology. Reintegration of IS fighters will be nearly impossible.
Co-Driving the New Silk Road
The “One Belt, One Road” project is about more than securing China’s economic future: it is a serious attempt on the part of Beijing to introduce a new form of diplomacy.
Going Global (In Parts)
Long overdue, the EU has started strategic reflections on what its global strategy could look like.
Eyes Wide Shut
The EU’s deficient foreign policy is to blame in part for the current refugees crises. But few in Berlin or elsewhere acknowledge this.
Containing Gazprom
Russia’s President has used Europe’s dependence on Russian gas as a powerful geopolitical lever. But energy geopolitics is a risky game, especially with Brussels now poised to take advantage of opportunities to permanently slash Gazprom’s market share.
The Return of Great Power Politics
As the balance of power shifts away from the United States, favoring China and others, the European Union must adapt to a new world order – and try to be a major player.
From the Wings to Center Stage
Europe urgently needs to become a credible actor in international affairs – but to play its role, it has to do a better job framing its stage, its story, and its audience.
