The EU Is Ceding Influence and Running Out of Time in the South Caucasus
How can the EU project real influence in a region where China, Russia, and Turkey move faster? Can Brussels balance its need for Azerbaijani gas with its own democratic principles? And what will it take for Europe to secure Armenia’s pivot to the West while preventing Georgia’s descent into authoritarian isolation?
From Shia Ascendancy to Sunni Resurgence: The Emerging Middle East Europe Has Little Role In
The Shia Crescent built by Iran over two decades has fractured with startling speed. What is emerging in its place is a contested Sunni resurgence, and Europe has been absent from every pivotal moment of this transformation.
Made in Ukraine, Sold in Europe: A Test for the Continent’s Arms Producers
Eurosatory 2026 closed in Paris on 19 June after a record turnout of roughly 2,000 exhibitors and 43,000 visitors. Yet the real story was Ukraine, whose delegation grew from just 10 companies in 2024 to 80 this year.
The Politics of “Being a Man”: Why Masculinity Matters in the Far-Right
The far-right often associates with a predominantly male voter base and reflects toughness in its media discourse appealing to men. This article delves into how European far-right parties increasingly embody traditional masculine traits as the political landscape shifts further to the right.
Between Paris and Washington: Lebanon’s Competing Security Patrons
While France retains a historical basis in its role as the main security guarantor for Mount Lebanon’s Christians, recent U.S. foreign policy strides in Lebanon have evidently challenged France’s capacity in its traditional role.
Is There a Future for Multi-Party Politics in the UK?
Why the UK’s current multi-party era will likely be temporary, unless electoral reform is implemented.
Is the Commission Finally Tightening the Leash on Schengen Border Controls?
The Commission’s new opinions acknowledge breaches across nine member states but stop short of declaring their border controls disproportionate or unlawful, leaving Schengen’s core promise unresolved.
Is HYDEF, the EU’s Hypersonic Interception Programme, Still Making Progress?
Russia perpetrated yet another heavy attack targeting Kyiv on May 24th, firing some 600 drones and 90 missiles including hypersonic Kinzhal and Zircon missiles. As EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said, “Russia hit a dead end on the battlefield, so it terrorizes Ukraine with deliberate strikes on city centres.” A tactic made easier by Ukraine’s lack of air defence systems that can reliably intercept hypersonic missiles – Europe has the same problem. Could the EU’s Hypersonic Defence Interceptor Programme (HYDEF) help to solve this challenge?
Europe’s Energy Lifeline: Where Does the Continent Go for Fossil Fuels?
Europe needs fossil fuels. The question then is where, and from whom, Europe will get them.
After 50 Years of Trade, Europe Has Learnt to Manage Its Expectations of China
For fifty years, Europe pursued China with the conviction that trade would beget liberalisation; the last decade has been the slow, costly process of revising that assumption.
Migration Alone Won’t Solve Europe’s Labour Problem
Migration has long been framed as the solution to Europe’s labour shortages and demographic challenge. Yet why do millions of jobs across the EU remain unfilled even as many working-age migrants remain underemployed or excluded from the labour market? Europe’s labour problem is becoming less about labour supply and more about its ability to absorb and integrate workers effectively.
After the Iran War: NATO’s Paper Power May Not Survive a Long War
The Iran war is not NATO’s war. Yet, ahead of the 2026 Ankara Summit, it has exposed a deeper anxiety: NATO’s military capabilities may be easy to visualize, but it is evident that the alliance is not ready, both in a political and industrial sense, from the rising Russian threat.
