A return to a parliamentary democracy system—the opposition’s most important electoral promise—is highly unlikely if Erdogan remains in power. This would be bad news for Turkey’s Western allies.

Moldova lacks technical and administrative capacity required for EU accession. Brussels needs to do much more to put its European perspective on track.

The Arab League’s decision to readmit Syria rewards brutality and betrays victims. It also confirms the marginalization of the United States and the irrelevance of Europe in the region.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made EU enlargement a geopolitical imperative. But internal reforms may be needed before the union can integrate new members.

Unanimity has been the default voting rule in EU foreign policymaking. Multiple crises could change that status quo.

The citizens of Gagauzia are preparing to elect their next governor. A victory of one of the many pro-Russian candidates could destabilize Moldova and derail its EU aspirations.

Ukrainians from all walks of life have been resisting Russia’s attack. They will not accept any peace deal that denies Ukraine its full independence and territorial integrity.

EU member states’ policies toward China have been hardening, but different national interests prevent a joint, coherent approach to Beijing. It may take a conflict over Taiwan to unify Europe.

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.
Judy Dempsey’s Strategic Europe offers insightful analysis, fresh commentary, and concrete policy recommendations from some of Europe’s keenest international affairs observers.
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