

Ukraine’s decision not to sign a landmark agreement with the EU does not signal defeat for the EU’s foreign policy. On the contrary, the bloc emerges stronger than before.

There are many reasons for Europe to take its common defense policy seriously. The problem is political short-termism.

Almost a century on, World War I still offers valuable lessons for Europeans. If the EU wants to keep the peace at home, it needs to become a bigger force for peace abroad.

Respect is a core element of the Chinese national narrative. But playing the guilt card to demand respect from foreigners is a tactic that China’s interlocutors should stand up to.

Germans need to accept that their nation’s power and increasing foreign policy assertiveness come at a price. Berlin should stop moralizing and start upgrading its intelligence capabilities.

The old assumption that shared threat perceptions will lead to common defense policies has failed. Europe’s defense strategy should instead be based on national ambitions.

Ask any observer about political progress in Europe, and the answer will invariably be “That’s impossible.” Tragically, achieving the impossible has never been so necessary.

Western Europeans should watch Central Europe carefully. Its obsessions should not be dismissed lightly, and its ambitions make good historical, political, and economic sense.

In December EU leaders will meet to discuss questions of defense. They should focus on improving coordination, but more importantly on creating a shared defense worldview.

By saying no to deeper political union, Germany’s chancellor may have scuppered the chances of ever repairing the imbalance between political and economic integration in Europe.