Bulgaria’s Russian Web: How Moscow’s Networks Influence Politics, Media and Society
Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro on January 1, 2026, marks a major geopolitical shift. In spite of this, echoes of its historic ties to Russia continue to play a role across its political, economic and informational landscape.
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.
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.
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.
Saving Climate Diplomacy From the Consensus and Legitimacy Traps
COP-30 has exposed a climate regime that is no longer merely slow—it is fundamentally unable to act and deliver solutions.
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.
