Russia’s war is about preventing Ukraine from completing its transition to modernity. The West can stop this by offering Kyiv a NATO membership road map at the approaching summit.
For the first time in twenty years, a change of leadership in Turkey is possible. The EU must be prepared for the foreign policy shift an opposition victory would bring.
The EU has been stepping up its engagement with Central Asia, including on regional cooperation, energy, and connectivity. But to gain more clout, the union must present a positive alternative to powers like China and Russia.
Europe’s approach to Iran has focused mainly on the nuclear dossier, largely neglecting human rights and socioeconomic issues. To ensure a brighter future for all Iranians, the EU must place women’s rights at the center of a new comprehensive strategy toward Tehran.
While international donors are right to focus on supporting civil society in acute crises, their approach has serious limitations. For more effective crisis mitigation, engagement with civic actors must be part of a broader political strategy driven by local dynamics and priorities.
Iran is posing a number of geopolitical challenges to European security. In response, the EU should support Iranian civil society and work on a regional security scheme that can also address Iran’s continued violations of international norms.
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany’s international role has undergone radical shifts. Berlin’s new National Security Strategy puts “integrated security” at its core and calls for internal unity, proactiveness, and solid international partnerships.
The prolonged conflict between Israel and Palestine is leading to democratic deterioration in both territories. The EU and its member states should root their responses in liberal democratic values.
Europe is waking up to the malevolent influence of the Chinese regime. European leaders need a common political and economic strategy to manage China’s irreversible rise.
Russia’s hybrid attacks have strengthened Ukraine’s social cohesion and public resolve. To further enhance Ukrainian resilience, the EU should share best practices, expand sanctions, and support the country’s democratic reforms.