Center for European Policy Analysis

“Now they’re trying to find several thousand troops to counteract Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region,” Pavel Luzin explains. “That means that these 700,000 troops do not exist. And that means Russia faces a lack of manpower.”

"The American TV interviewer came to listen not to judge, says Russia’s leading fascist." Julia Davis

"The Kremlin offers a lyrical vision of Russki Mir, or Russia world. The reality is very different." Emil Avdaliani examines the precarious situation of Abkhazia, a separatist region of Georgia under heavy Russian influence, highlighting its dependence on Moscow for financial aid and governance. Recent tensions arose after its parliament attempted to pass a law reversing a ban on foreign property ownership. These tensions have led to fears among its leaders about being used as a bargaining chip in improving relations between Georgia and Russia.

"NATO requires members to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense. At 1.28%, Spain is dead last, and Madrid’s path to hitting the target is littered with obstacles." Natalia Hidalgo and Andrew Novo critique Spain's defense spending, which is the lowest among NATO members. While Spain has increased its budget and acknowledges the need for higher spending, historical factors, internal political resistance, and public sentiment against military investment pose significant obstacles. Spain's failure to bolster its military budget undermines its credibility within NATO and hampers its ability to contribute to European security amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

"As the nature of combat changes, so too does the role of tanks on the battlefield." David Kirichenko explores the evolving role of tanks in the Ukraine conflict, highlighting how the rise of drone warfare has made traditional armored units more vulnerable and cautious on the battlefield. Ukrainian tank personnel face new threats that have fundamentally altered tank tactics, leading to a shift to providing fire support from safer distances. However, challenges such as ammunition shortages and the complexities of operating foreign tanks persist.

🇪🇺🇺🇸🇨🇳 Read this week's developments in EU-US trade and technology policy vis-à-vis China in CEPA's Transatlantic Tech Policy Tracker, an interactive policy database spanning over four years! #DigitalAlliance

Seven people were killed and over 60 were injured as a result of the Russian attack on Lviv. #BehindTheLines

“Electric vehicle sales are slumping in Europe, hurting battery manufacturers worldwide. At the same time, Asian producers are scaling up and pushing down battery prices.” Ronan Murphy and Oona Lagercrantz #DigitalAlliance

"Russia is holding Ukrainian combat medics, using them as bargaining chips and subjecting them to mistreatment and torture in breach of the Geneva conventions." Elina Beketova details the plight of Ukrainian combat medics like Captain Maryna Serhiienkova, who spent 180 days in captivity. Serhiienkova recounts the horrific conditions and psychological torment faced by her and her fellow medics. Despite international laws protecting medical personnel, Russia uses these doctors as bargaining chips for exchanges, complicating their situation further. Advocacy groups are working to raise awareness and secure the release of these captives, but increased international condemnation of Russia's actions and coordinated efforts are needed to address these human rights violations. #BehindTheLines

🇪🇺 “Although any genuine and sufficiently serious threat to a fundamental interest to society gives the EU member states reason enough to blockade foreign investment, the line often is blurred, inviting fears of political meddling and generating distrust among investors.” Natalia Hidalgo Martínez #DigitalAlliance