Greens Shock Victory Undermines Starmer’s Leadership
The local by election result exposes the fragility of Labour’s mandate—and mirrors a wider European unravelling for centre parties.
Europe on Iran: Gone with the Wind
By: Carnegie - Strategic Europe | Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Europe’s reaction to the war in Iran has been disunited and meek, a far cry from its previously leading role in diplomacy with Tehran. To avoid being condemned to the sidelines while escalation continues, Brussels needs to stand up for international law.
Merz accepts a harder world on Iran
By: Euractiv | Monday, March 2, 2026
Downplaying the weight of international law, the German chancellor signals that Berlin may be adjusting to a great-power order shaped by Washington rather than rules.
Macron Makes France a Great Middle Power
By: Carnegie - Strategic Europe | Tuesday, February 24, 2026
France has stopped clinging to notions of being a great power and is embracing the middle power moment. But Emmanuel Macron has his work cut out if he is to secure his country’s global standing before his term in office ends.
The Albanese around the UN’s neck
By: Euractiv | Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Everyone remembers the pupil at the back of the classroom, needling classmates – then flashing a wide-eyed “Who, me?” when the teacher turned around.
Vienna calling: Austria far right gathers strength after near miss
By: Euractiv | Thursday, February 19, 2026
To thwart the FPÖ’s steady rise, the Austrian government tries to play the long game
MORE ARTICLES
EU auditors highlight "fraud" in COVID fund
By: Martin Banks | Thursday, February 12, 2026
The EU’s €650 billion COVID recovery fund, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), continues to show multiple weaknesses in fraud detection, reporting and correction, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA).
Macron urges EU to start acting like world power
By: BBC News | Tuesday, February 10, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to assert itself on the world stage, saying it is time to start acting like a "power".
Trump’s ‘Armada’ to Iran and the Return of Gunboat Diplomacy
By: Rajnish Singh | Wednesday, February 4, 2026
US naval buildup in the Persian Gulf is putting pressure on the Ayatollahs, but it also raises the risk of military escalation, regional conflict, and dangerous miscalculation.
EU "trapped in a vicious circle" on raw materials
By: Martin Banks | Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The EU is having difficulties securing the supply of the raw materials it needs to meet its energy and climate goals. This is the conclusion of a new report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA).
EU Falls Behind in the South Caucasus Connectivity Race
By: Carnegie - Strategic Europe | Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The EU lacks leadership and strategic planning in the South Caucasus, while the United States is leading the charge. To secure its geopolitical interests, Brussels must invest in new connectivity for the region.
New Tricks and AI Tools in Hungary’s High-Stakes Election
By: Carnegie - Strategic Europe | Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces his most serious challenge yet in the April 2026 parliamentary elections. All of Europe should monitor the Fidesz campaign: It will use unprecedented methods of electoral manipulation to secure victory and maintain power.
Keep Calm and Carry On: Why Europe Shouldn’t Panic Over Trump’s Threats
By: Rajnish Singh | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
As Brussels contemplates a trade clash over Greenland, Europe may want to study Mark Carney’s brand of Canadian-style “cold shoulder” diplomacy.
Cyprus brings a “unique perspective” to its EU presidency
By: Martin Banks | Tuesday, January 20, 2026
EU Council President Antonio Costa was clear, Cyprus will bring a “unique perspective” to its EU presidency.
Hungary grants asylum to Polish ex-justice minister
By: BBC News | Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Hungary has granted political asylum to Poland’s former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro who is facing charges of embezzlement.
Who Really Defends Europe — Ukraine or the U.S.?
By: The Globalist | Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Europeans still hesitate to understand that their defense will no longer be provided by the United States – but by Ukraine. That is true in a far more comprehensive sense than has been considered to date.
Solidarity Is a Must for Europe to Ensure its Own Security
By: Carnegie - Strategic Europe | Friday, January 9, 2026
Europe is designing a new model of collective security that no longer relies on the United States. For this effort to succeed, solidarity between member states that have different threat perceptions is vital.
Starmer ready for closer EU alignment ’in the national interest’
By: BBC News | Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK should move towards closer alignment with EU markets "if it’s in our national interest".
Why Romania Is the Next Defense Factory of Central and Eastern Europe
By: Radu Magdin | Monday, January 5, 2026
Step by step, Romania embedded itself into some of the most demanding industrial supply chains in the world, delivering at scale for German, French, American and Turkish manufacturers.
EU agrees €90bn loan for Ukraine but without using Russian assets
By: BBC News | Monday, December 22, 2025
European Union leaders have struck a late-night deal to lend Ukraine €90bn (£79bn; $105bn) over the next two years, after failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets.



By: N. Peter Kramer