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.
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.
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.
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.
