Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Ankara’s goal in dealing with Europe is to limit the future agenda to trade, economic matters, and refugee arrangements. In a diminishing space for civil society, academic freedom, and human rights, EU leaders are divided over what strategy to pursue with Turkey.
EU defense integration has been plagued by the issue of sovereignty and progress in high-end capability development has moved at a snail’s pace. What is needed is a clear, overarching strategic vision for European security and defense.
After the undignified scramble for protective equipment in the pandemic’s early stages, the EU’s collective approach to coronavirus vaccines was the right strategy—even if avoidable mistakes were made.
Although the European External Action Service’s defense competencies have received less attention than its foreign policy goals, its continued organizational innovation and reinforced supranational mechanisms have had a positive impact in bridging the gap between policy and security.
The European External Action Service has often been criticized for its inability to implement a genuine espirit de corps. To improve institutional morale, the EEAS must resolve the issues that have thus far prevented it from inventing its own brand of diplomacy.
Germany’s governing Christian Democrats chose Armin Laschet as their new party leader to succeed the long-serving Angela Merkel. He promises to continue Merkel’s legacy and centrist policies.
The storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump should be enough of a warning. EU leaders must speak up about the fragility of their own democracy and democratic institutions in Europe.
The erosion of trust between Brussels and London has prevented both sides from laying the foundations for continued cooperation on foreign policy after Brexit. How can the European Union and the United Kingdom rebuild relations in 2021?
Level playing field or no access to the EU’s single market? With Brexit talks in the final stages, one solution for a UK-EU trade deal seems within reach—but only if it allows for both sides to claim victory.
European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová and Richard Youngs unpack the European Democracy Action Plan and explore how it will improve the future of Europe.