Foreign policy & defence

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Bulletin Issue 126 - June/July 2019

Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska, Sophia Besch, Beth Oppenheim, John Springford
04 June 2019

The EU needs an effective common arms export policy

Sophia Besch, Beth Oppenheim
04 June 2019
The EU’s strategic interests and credibility are harmed by its ineffective and incoherent approach to arms export policy.

Should the EU make foreign policy decisions by majority voting?

15 May 2019
The current decision-making processes undermine the effectiveness of EU foreign policy. Extending majority voting would lead to more ambitious compromises.

You never listen to me: The European-Saudi relationship after Khashoggi

Beth Oppenheim
02 May 2019
The EU has avoided confronting Saudi Arabia on its violations of international law. Now is the time for recalibration: the EU needs a firm, united policy towards the kingdom.

Appalled by strategic autonomy? Applaud it instead

Sophia Besch
22 March 2019
Strategic autonomy is a sign of the transatlantic relationship’s inevitable progression. Europeans and Americans need to manage the growing pains that will accompany Europe’s ambitions.

Bulletin Issue 125 - April/May 2019

Sophia Besch, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska, Sam Lowe, Leonard Schuette
22 March 2019

Europe without the UK: Liberated or diminished?

Sophia Besch, Ian Bond, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska, Camino Mortera-Martinez, Sam Lowe
13 March 2019
In 2016 the CER made ten predictions about the effect of Brexit on future EU policy. How do they stand up now, on the eve of the UK’s departure?

Five years (is/is not)* a long time in Ukrainian politics (*Delete as applicable)

14 February 2019
It is five years since Ukraine’s then president, Viktor Yanukovych, fled the country for Russia. Since then, some commentators say a lot has changed, while others say not much. But however confused the picture, Ukraine still merits attention.

The lessons of Brexit: Annual report 2018

04 February 2019
The CER's annual report features an essay on the lessons of Brexit. It also describes some of the highlights among our events and publications during the year we celebrated our 20th birthday.

Trump's foreign policy: Two years of living dangerously

25 January 2019
President Donald Trump has given America’s traditional allies cause to worry that the US will withdraw from its global role. Those allies must now avoid precipitating what they fear most.

Trump's Iran policy leaves the EU few options

11 December 2018
Trump’s decision to re-impose sanctions has placed the Iran nuclear agreement on life support and further destabilised the region. Unwilling to seriously support the deal, Europeans will have to rely on diplomacy to limit the damage. 

China and Europe: Buying hearts and minds?

29 November 2018
The EU does not need to compete financially with China’s grandiose ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) everywhere. But it should at least stop China buying the support of EU member-states.

Is Trump right to nuke the INF Treaty?

02 November 2018
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is a cornerstone of European stability. The US should challenge Russian treaty violations, but not abandon the treaty without a better plan.

Protecting European networks: What can NATO do?

Sophia Besch
31 October 2018
With the 'cyber defence pledge' NATO is trying to get its allies to do more to protect their networks. The alliance should lead by example.

One year since Macron's Sorbonne speech: Plus ça change?

25 October 2018
In September 2017, newly-elected French President Macron laid out his grand vision for relaunching the EU. He has not achieved much so far, but Macron remains the greatest hope for driving much-needed reforms.

Premature elections won't stabilise Libya

10 October 2018
The push for elections in Libya risks deepening the country’s divisions. Europe should agree on a common position, and work towards a settlement acceptable to key Libyan and regional players.

Moving Balkan borders: Peace plan or Pandora's box?

28 September 2018
Moving borders in the Western Balkans is risky, but might occasionally be the best option. The EU should not block a Serbia/Kosovo deal, but should work on risk mitigation.