Western Europe

The High Cost of a 5% Defense Target for Europe
Meeting Trump's proposed 5% GDP target for NATO defense spending could cripple Europe's social safety net, forcing painful choices between security and social welfare.

A New Chapter in European Security Opens in London
On March 2nd, European leaders convened in London to coordinate a response following the escalating tensions in the Ukraine-Russia War. The summit's discussions on military aid and strategic cooperation underscore a pivotal moment in European security policy.

Pope Francis's Health and the Vatican's Subtle Power in Shifting the Geopolitical Landscape of Europe
Pope Francis II was hospitalized in Rome due to a respiratory tract infection. This affects not only the Catholic Church, but has implications in the larger global geopolitical context as well.

Baltic States Disconnect from Russia’s Power Grid
Last week, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania completed their de-synchronisation from Russia's electricity grid, a move planned since 2007 but significantly accelerated by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Syria’s Transformation: Implications for the EU Post-Assad Regime
As Syria stands on the brink of a new era, the European Union faces pivotal decisions that could redefine its role in the Middle East.

German Ruling Coalition Falls Apart
The German ruling coalition, led by Olaf Scholz, has collapsed following the firing of the finance minister, Christian Lindler, last week.

BRICS Summit Implications for the European Union
As BRICS continues to assert its influence, the European Union (EU) must carefully evaluate the implications of its growth. The summit's outcomes hold particular relevance for the EU, given the bloc's strategic interests and increasing involvement in global affairs, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. How is BRICS going to impact the EU's strategic interests?

The Race to Join the EU: What Comes Next After Referendum Vote in Moldova
On Sunday, October 20th, Moldova held a referendum vote on joining the European Union (EU), alongside its planned presidential elections.

Austria's Far-Right Victory: Potential challenges Ahead for the European Union
On Sept. 29, Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) achieved an unprecedented victory by winning the national parliamentary election — its first major success since World War II.

Mark Rutte's First Week as Secretary General of NATO
Mark Rutte officially took office as Secretary General of NATO on Oct. 1, 2024, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg at the organization’s headquarters in Brussels.

Hungary Fined for Breaking Migrant Laws: The Implications for Isolationism and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in Europe
The ongoing tension between Hungary and the European Union (EU) regarding immigration laws has reached a critical juncture. Hungary has faced increasing scrutiny for its inhumane treatment of migrants and the unlawful detention of asylum seekers.