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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Supporting the People of Iran Is a Moral Responsibility and a Historic Opportunity
Moments when ethical responsibility and geopolitical opportunity align are rare—and Iran may be one of them.
The Mamdani Effect Exposes the Real Democratic Gap
Zohran Mamdani’s New York success offers hope for a new way of doing politics… at a risk.
A New Threshold in Romania’s Democracy: Its Own Justice System
An independent investigation into Romania’s Justice System: How Recorder’s documentary exposed alleged judicial abuses, sparked nationwide protests, and provoked reactions from the country’s political and institutional leadership.
From City Hall to the Continent: The Mamdani Effect and Europe’s New Left
An unlikely mayoral victory in New York City is rippling across the Atlantic, as Europe’s left looks to Zohran Mamdani’s grassroots surge for clues on how to confront rising inequality and the far right.
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.
Reflecting Europe in The Hague: What the Dutch Vote Means for the Continent
The Netherlands’ 2025 general election is shaping up to be a trendsetter for Europe. From housing and migration to climate policy and EU governance, coalition choices in The Hague will have significant implications for Brussels and beyond.
The Weak Link: Hungary’s Espionage and the Risk to Europe and NATO
Within a short timeframe, two espionage scandals erupted involving the Government of Hungary. On separate occasions, the Hungarian secret services were caught infiltrating the European Commission and Ukraine. How has the EU reacted, and what role does Russia play in this?
