Defence co-operation, industry & markets
Europe's NATO balancing act
24 May 2017
This week in Brussels, Europe's leaders must not only convince President Donald Trump of NATO's value, but also push for Europe's NATO priorities.
Playing defence
20 March 2017
The UK’s contributions to European defence will play a role in Brexit negotiations. But both sides should keep the long-term objective of close co-operation in mind.
Security of supply in EU defence: Friends in need?
17 August 2016
In its drive to establish EU-wide security of supply for the defence market, Brussels faces protectionism, a flawed notion of European strategic autonomy and mistrust among governments.
NATO, the EU and Brexit: Joining forces?
05 July 2016
NATO and the EU must work together to manage crises in Europe’s neighbourhood. The UK’s referendum vote has given them one more problem to solve.
Britain, the EU and security: Only one thing worse than fighting with allies
21 June 2016
The threats to Britain are diverse, and shared with Europe. Responses must be equally flexible and multinational. The age of splendid isolation is not coming back.
An EU army? Four reasons it will not happen
12 May 2016
The EU army is a pipe-dream that blocks progress on Europe's defence needs. It does not reflect the realities of EU defence co-operation.
No denial: How NATO can deter a creeping Russian threat
09 February 2016
Russia is sowing uncertainty about its intentions on NATO's eastern borders. At the Warsaw Summit in June, NATO should take steps to strengthen its deterrence.
After a deal: How to keep Iran honest?
22 May 2015
If a nuclear agreement with Iran is reached, the hard work begins: Europe should help contain Tehran’s regional influence while working with it too.
Security in the age of austerity: You get what you pay for
08 April 2015
Europe’s neighbourhood is too dangerous for decisions on defence budgets to be left to austerity-minded finance ministers. The UK should set a good example.
Issue 101 - 2015
08 April 2015
- Security in the age of austerity: You get what you pay for, Ian Bond
- The low-hanging fruit of European capital markets, Christian Odendahl
- A Marxist take on the 'Brexit' general election, John Springford
It’s the geopolitics, stupid: Why TTIP matters
02 April 2015
TTIP’s benefits for Europe’s foreign policy should play a larger role in Europe’s debate about the trade talks.
EU-Israel relations: Confrontation or co-operation?
18 December 2014
The EU’s decision to get tougher on Israel’s settlements can damage beneficial co-operation. Steps can be taken in order to manage these tensions.
Iran nuclear talks: Patience is a virtue
13 November 2014
The EU and US should extend the nuclear negotiations with Iran. The falling oil price could pressure Tehran to compromise.
The challenge to the West: Restoring European deterrence
03 September 2014
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, deterrence in Europe has broken down. The EU and NATO must show resolve if they are to restore it.
Dealing with Russia: Law, jaw and war
08 August 2014
The EU should be ready to take more steps against Russia, and help defend Ukraine – but also talk directly to Putin to try to change his mind.
The EU and defence procurement
15 January 2014
Against a background of falling European defence budgets, the European Commission has sought to increase the efficiency of the European defence market by reducing barriers to intra-EU defence trade and by encouraging competition.
Not flashy but effective: Closer EU co-operation in defence investments
13 December 2013
This month, European leaders will discuss how to strengthen EU military co-operation. It is the first time that defence has been on the European Council’s agenda since 2008and EU officials had hoped the member-states would unveil bold initiatives to stem the deterioration of their armed forces.
Fail to plan, plan to fail: European security and defence
29 November 2013
In December, EU leaders will discuss defence. Instead of wrangling over capability shortfalls, they should first agree what they want to achieve, and how.
The trials and tribulations of European defence co-operation
24 July 2013
In response to the economic crisis, European militaries are working more closely together than before. But they still need to collaborate further.
Time to bite the bullet on European defence
01 February 2013
In response to declining defence budgets, Europeans must buy cheaper military equipment and co-ordinate their efforts to build sophisticated drones.