Europe at a crossroads: security, defence, and the Polish EU Council Presidency Event recording Security is right at the heart of the Polish EU Council Presidency’s programme. In light of the geopolitical context, the challenges are tremendous. The EU’s defence industrial base needs to be strengthened, and a joint approach on military procurement as well as a sustainable financing solution must be developed. This online discussion analysed the current state of play, explore key areas of contention and discuss potential paths forward, as well as take stock of the Polish EU Council Presidency’s efforts. With: Sophia Besch, Łukasz Maślanka, Nicole Koenig and Roderick Kefferpütz. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
EU special Summit: Towards a European Defence Union Analysis After years of hesitation, the EU – driven by geopolitical shifts – is finally moving forward. The special summit in Brussels shows momentum in defence policy. But Europe remains vulnerable without a big step forward. By Eva van de Rakt and Roderick Kefferpütz
Europe is reinventing itself Commentary It's not just about money. We can be the innovative and cultural magnet of the world. That is the strength of democratic and open societies. By Bastian Hermisson
Pace of war shortens EU-based training for Ukrainian troops Media Fellowship As the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds into its third year, Ukraine is in desperate need of experienced troops. Western military training, like that seen in Poland, could be the answer. Western officers say their high-quality training, which emphasizes initiative, is a key advantage that their armies have over Russia. By Sam Skove
Navigating uncertainty: the UK's commitment to Ukraine Commentary As Britain reaffirms its support for Ukraine, changing geopolitical dynamics are testing the resilience of Western alliances. Amid growing concerns over support from key allies, the UK navigates complex decisions on defence commitments and NATO’s future. This article explores the UK's evolving stance, its recent defence collaborations, and the potential challenges ahead as Britain balances solidarity with Ukraine against the backdrop of a dynamic global landscape. By Ros Taylor
US elections and European cohesion: Scenario implications for Ukraine and Transatlantic security Policy Paper The fate of Ukraine’s battlefield will be decided at the US ballot box. This paper explores how the European Union and its Member States could adjust their Ukraine and NATO policies, depending on the outcome of the US election.
NATO summit: What Ukraine needs most urgently Commentary The NATO Summit in Washington, DC, from 9 to 11 July 2024, will not extend an invitation to Ukraine to become a member. The defence community can nevertheless send a clear signal that it will provide Ukraine with lasting support against Russia's war of attrition. By Robert Sperfeld and Jan Philipp Albrecht
What the Labour manifesto says about the UK’s future relationship with the EU — and what it doesn’t Commentary Labour is still allergic to the E-word, says Ros Taylor. But the party’s manifesto offers hints of what a far closer relationship with the EU might look like. By Ros Taylor
Lessons from the Kosovo war: no time for European complacency Analysis The Kosovo war 25 years ago serves as a reminder that frozen conflicts and bilateral disputes cannot be swept under the rug for long. In the current geopolitical environment, they will blow up in Europe’s face. By Agon Maliqi
3 Questions on European security to MdB Sara Nanni 3 Questions EU nukes, EU army, EU Defence Commissioner – the debate on European security and defence is heating up. It feels like every week a new political proposal is made. So we asked three questions to Sara Nanni, Member of the German Bundestag and the Green parliamentary group’s spokesperson on defence policy, on how she views the latest developments. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Sara Nanni
