Many countries critical to the global effort to tackle climate change have poor human rights records. Democracies must find ways to ensure progress on both fronts.
The decline of democracy in the United States means Washington’s leadership role cannot be taken for granted. It is time Europe seriously invested in its own security and defense.
The window to stabilize the climate is rapidly closing. Negotiators at COP27 must be ready to address thorny issues and move from ambitious targets to policy implementation.
The Biden administration has led the Western military and economic response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Europe must be ready to act independently if and when Washington’s policy changes.
Recent tensions between Paris and Berlin have led some to question the partnership’s purpose and relevance. But a track record of overcoming differences suggests relations can be revived.
Berlin’s pursuit of economic and political ties with Beijing and Moscow has created dangerous dependencies. A change in strategy would benefit both Germany and the EU.
Getting forty-four leaders from across Europe to meet in Prague was an achievement in itself. But it involved substituting values and principles for realpolitik and left fundamental questions open.
The pandemic has accelerated EU efforts to build up resilience, but more must be done. Boosting preparedness for future crises requires greater trust between governments and better engagement of citizens.
Demonstrators continue to defy the security forces and deface the insignia of the Islamic Republic. But to succeed, the protests need a leader and a political agenda.
The need to militarily assist Ukraine is another incentive for better coordinating defense investment at European level. The EU’s initiatives will only deliver if member states are guided by shared considerations.
Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine has exposed European countries’ diverging views of Moscow. These fissures will affect the EU’s policies toward Ukraine and Russia.
The decision to mobilize reservists and the ensuing domestic unrest points to Putin’s weakness. Western sanctions and military support for Ukraine are key to preventing a Russian victory.
Azerbaijan’s military action in Armenia has gravely damaged chances of a settlement. EU-mediated negotiations, the only viable peace talks, need greater international support.
A Russian victory against Ukraine would be devastating for Europe’s security and stability. European governments have no excuse for not realizing what is at stake.
For too long, the EU has neglected Viktor Orbán’s attack on its fundamental values. Brussels must use its financial leverage to halt Hungary’s democratic decline.
Ukraine’s recent gains highlight the unpredictability of Russia’s war. The main challenge for Western governments, NATO, and the EU is to act in unison while adjusting to the evolving military dynamics.
The coming winter promises to be dark and difficult. But doomsters may be proven wrong in anticipating that the war effort in Ukraine’s support will divide the EU.
Albeit unwittingly, the Soviet Union’s last president paved the way for complex democratic transformations across Eastern Europe. The values these countries fought for must now be protected within the EU itself.
Most Western assistance to Ukraine, including weapons and training, has come from individual NATO member states. But without the alliance, this support would be less coordinated and not as substantial.
Both Moscow and Ankara are benefiting from Turkey’s mediating role since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Strategically, however, Putin has the upper hand.
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