The EU Cannot Win Its Eastern Neighbourhood Through Normative Power Alone
The EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood is being contested by actors who move faster, ask less, and deliver sooner, yet its policy strategy remains calibrated to a less competitive environment.
Addressing the Growing Threat of Crypto-Asset Circumvention to EU Sanctions
Sanction circumvention is an adaptation game, and crypto has dealt Russia a new hand. To prevent the erosion of sanctions effectiveness, the EU must adapt to new evasion practices and tools to better target entry points into the formal economy.
Icelanders Say “Nei” to EU Talks: Why the Push to Resume Accession Failed
Iceland voted 52.8% to 47.2% against resuming EU accession talks, as rural “no” strongholds outweighed pro-EU Reykjavik despite rising Arctic tensions. The verdict comes down to fisheries, the króna, and contentment with EEA membership, and it challenges the idea that EEA integration is just a waystation to joining the EU.
Can UK-French Nuclear Cooperation Substitute for US Extended Deterrence?
Washington’s 2026 National Defence Strategy rests conspicuously silent on the future of its nuclear umbrella over Europe. Growing Anglo-French cooperation is being framed as the continent’s most plausible fallback, though its doctrinal limits mean it still falls short of a genuine substitute.
Europe’s Improvised Autonomy on Ransomware, Without Washington
In July 2026, the EU and Britain sanctioned Russian hackers without waiting for Washington to act first, proving that the Union can already impose costs on its adversaries. The next step is turning that proven capability into a lasting, repeatable policy.
How Russia’s NATO Grievance Became a Grievance Against Europe
For twenty years, Russia cast NATO as an existential threat to justify its aggression. Now, as Washington pulls back, that same grievance is being pointed at Europe itself.
Ireland’s Balancing Act on Russia, Big Tech, and the Limits of EU Neutrality
The rotating presidency of the Council of the EU is designed to serve the collective interest of the Union. Ireland’s six months in the chair may prove the design leaves room to defect.
Resilience Building Against Hybrid Threats: A Baltic Self-Help Guide
With NATO losing reliability, and in spite of Europe’s promises to step up security, should we be concerned about Baltic hybrid resilience, or should we learn from it? Here is what we know so far.
The Human Faces Behind Russia’s War
Five years into Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the world has grown accustomed to a relentless stream of headlines: another missile strike, another apartment building destroyed, another death toll announced before the next story takes its place.
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?
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.
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.
