The Populist Quagmire: The European Far-Right in the Age of Strategic Autonomy
Amidst the rise of the populist far-right in Europe, the EU must look beyond its differences and be unequivocal in its “strategic autonomy”.
The Fellowship of the Payments: Europe’s Journey Beyond the Two Towers
For decades, Visa and Mastercard have dominated Europe’s payment rails. Efficient — yes. Strategically neutral? Not so much.
Albania’s Justice Reform Puts the EU’s Rule-of-Law Credibility to the Test
Albania’s EU accession bid is becoming a critical test of whether Brussels will uphold its core values on human rights, due process, and accountability when they become politically inconvenient.
Why China Cannot be Europe’s Alternative to the US
Europe risks trading one dependency for another if it treats China as a shortcut to economic security amid U.S. trade uncertainty.
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.
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.
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 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.
European Defence: Is Germany a “False Friend”?
As the EU’s largest industrial power, Germany’s defence-industrial decisions are becoming a central fault line between Europe’s ambitions of military autonomy and continued reliance on the US.
European Democracy Begins With a People, Not More Institutions
The EU’s democratic deficit runs deeper than its institutional framework—it lies in Europeans’ lack of shared reason to politicise it.
