Charles Grant

Charles Grant

Director
Areas of expertise 

Britain's EU referendum, the 'future of Europe' debate, the euro, Russia, European foreign and defence policy and China's relations with the West.

Twitter 
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Is Putin going soft?

Is Putin going soft?

16 October 2013
Vladimir Putin seems to be opening up Russia’s political system, a little. But his hard-line tactics in Russia’s neighbourhood are failing to win friends.
How to build a modern European Union

How to build a modern European Union

10 October 2013
The CER proposes reforming the EU’s policies and institutions, to foster a more dynamic European economy and to make decision-making more accountable.
Continuity and change Germany's EU policy thumbnail

Continuity and change in Germany's EU policy

06 September 2013
Germany's EU policy is shifting. It will seek a 'grand bargain' with France but be tougher on the Commission. Treaty change is moving off the agenda.
Putin's Russia: Stability and stagnation

Putin's Russia: Stability and stagnation

02 August 2013
Although Russia's economy is slowing, its politics is very stable. Meanwhile the Edward Snowden affair is damaging Moscow's relationship with Washington.
What is wrong with the European Commission? thumbnail

What is wrong with the European Commission?

27 June 2013
The Commission should be strong and independent. But as it becomes dependent on the European Parliament, it is losing the respect of national capitals.
Can national parliaments make the EU legitimate?

Can national parliaments make the EU more legitimate?

10 June 2013
The euro crisis has hit the EU's legitimacy. Part of the answer is to give national parliamentarians a bigger role in the EU.
Germany & Treaty change

Germany’s plans for treaty change – and what they mean for Britain

28 March 2013
Germany is no longer pushing for a new EU treaty. This makes it harder for David Cameron to renegotiate the terms of British membership.
The European External Action Service

The European External Action Service

15 March 2013
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is, potentially, a very useful tool for enhancing British influence in the EU and in the world.
The EU, Russia and China

The EU, Russia and China

15 March 2013
Both Russia and China matter to the UK. Strategically, they are nuclear powers and P-5 countries, with diplomatic interests in many parts of the world.
Two cheers for Beppe Grillo

Two cheers for Beppe Grillo

01 March 2013
Austerity is condemning the eurozone's periphery to slump. Italy's election is a warning: the EU must change direction, or populist revolts against its policies will gather pace.