As the EU begins a new cycle of its aid programs, it must place democracy at the center of its development policy.
Contrary to widespread assertions, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has not given birth to a fundamental geopolitical shift in EU external action.
The multifaceted tensions simmering south of Europe pose major challenges to the EU. Although the bloc has already embarked on some important foreign policy initiatives, more concrete and sustained actions must be implemented.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine will sharpen the divide between democracies and autocracies, but also lead to more realpolitik strategic balancing. A key question is what kind of coordination emerges between democracies.
Opinion polls show Rishi Sunak to be the British electorate’s favorite among Boris Johnson’s potential successors. The Labour Party should fear the candidate who can persuade voters that they belong to the political mainstream.
Water scarcity threatens the political, social, economic, and environmental stability of Iran. The European Union can help by trailblazing a new form of diplomacy that integrates climate action, cultural exchange, and technological cooperation.
North Macedonia’s access to the EU has been opposed by Bulgaria due to historical disputes. The bloc should help Sofia and Skopje to shift their focus to more practical concerns, such as trade, infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy.
Following Boris Johnson's resignation, his successor must work to rebuild the Conservative party's reputation and rediscover its purpose ahead of the next UK general election.
Unlike Ukraine and Moldova who have been given candidate status, Georgia has been offered a much weaker offer of EU membership perspective. Despite the best efforts of the country’s protestors, the Georgian dream government is unlikely to back down and meet these demands any time soon.
In Turkey, green protests can go beyond environmental issues and include demands for more inclusive and transparent governance. But while climate activism can help keep the opposition alive, the country’s democratic future is still in question.
In this era of geopolitical competition, Europe believes it offers an approach based upon multilateralism and international solidarity. To convince others of this viable alternative, Europe must better understand perceptions in the Global South and improve its own international standing.
Ukraine should view EU accession as a long-term project. Joining the union has become increasingly harder, lengthier, and more mired with obstacles.
Although the Conservatives suffered a defeat in the byelections, the race for the next general election remains open. Data points and trends from past elections indicate that Labour's victory is far from certain.
The accession of Western Balkan countries to the EU has stalled due to issues within the union as well as in the region itself. Renewed commitment on both sides is needed to break the current impasse.
Innovative forms of deliberative and participatory democracy from outside the West can inspire reform in European states.
EU integration has been propelled by both treaty change and improvised action. To continue to adapt and respond in this era of crises, the union should adopt limited treaty amendments that implement the conclusions reached at the Conference on the Future of Europe.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has dramatically altered the security and defense architecture of Europe. It also has the potential to reshape democracy support policies, changing practices of defending and extending democratic values and of interactions with autocratic states.
The war in Ukraine has given impetus to a new round of EU enlargement. Concerns about corruption, stagnation, and democratic backsliding tendencies may hamper the union's response but engagement with Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia must be sustained.
Despite the positive vote of confidence for Boris Johnson, public distrust of the British prime minister will negatively affect his party. To save face, the Conservative party should remove Johnson and replace him with a leader who is regarded as honest and competent.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s negative stance toward Finland and Sweden joining NATO jeopardizes further enlargement of the alliance amid great geopolitical insecurity. Breaking this stalemate will require a compromise from all sides.