From Normative Power to Geopolitical Actor: The EU’s Strategic Shift on Syria
More than a decade after imposing sweeping sanctions on Syria, the European Union is recalibrating its approach. The easing of economic restrictions and the launch of reconstruction aid mark not only a policy shift, but a test of whether Brussels can evolve from a purely normative power into a strategic geopolitical actor.
Beyond Fabs: The Czech Republic’s Supply-Chain Role in Europe’s Chip Race
The EU Chips Act seeks to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem and reach a 20% global market share by 2030. The Chips Act 2.0 is a chance to address its shortcomings.
The Mechanics of the EU-Mercosur Trade Deal: Europe’s Push to Shift the Global Order
The EU–Mercosur trade deal has become a test of whether Europe can turn geopolitical pressure into diversification, resilience and renewed multilateral ambition.
Constrained Atlanticism After Greenland: How the Netherlands Exposes Europe’s Dilemma
The Netherlands, an exemplifier of a US-oriented Europe, finds itself in a familiar but increasingly awkward position as Arctic geopolitics heat up and U.S. interest in Greenland resurfaces. How do Atlanticist Europeans protect European sovereignty without endangering its long-standing Atlantic orientation?
Expansion Fatigue? Now Is the Moment for Enlargement — And Not Only in the East
The direct threat to Greenland might have cooled down. This is nevertheless a chance for Europe to strengthen its future.
Haven’t You Heard? Taxing Cryptocurrencies Is the New Thing!
The old vision of Bitcoin replacing traditional money is losing ground as governments move to tax and regulate crypto like any other asset.
Left in the Dark: When Looking Towards China, Europe Needs a Clear-Eyed View
Despite China’s remarkable political and economic transformation, the narrative of a ‘Communist success story’ merits far more nuance. As China’s international influence grows, Europeans must learn to better understand the Chinese model—a task for which Europe’s own past with collectivism and authoritarian can offer valuable insight.
Eco-Fatigue: Why Green Messaging Is Losing Its Appeal
After years of hype, sustainability messaging is starting to wear thin. In a world of rising geopolitical tensions, soaring energy prices, growing economic uncertainty, and chronic greenwashing, eco-friendly-ness is losing its prestige.
The Funeral No One Wants To Attend: The Collapse of the Global Nuclear Order
As the old nuclear order decays, the world clings to rituals of reassurance that can no longer hide the growing risks beneath the surface.
The EU’s Digital Euro Is Drowning in the Global Stablecoin Wave
The window for the digital euro is closing. If the EU fails to accelerate its timeline, alternative private digital payment systems from the US threaten to render the project obsolete before it even launches.
Outsiders at Home: Cultural Repression and the Politics of Visibility in Russia
How Putin’s repression forced creators into exile and why youth continue to resist.
Sudan: The Make-or-Break Test for a Human Rights-Based International Order
Sudan is a stress-test of whether human rights will remain a principle in the new emerging international order.
