Centre for European Reform’s Post

📽ACM recap video! Our Annual Council Meeting 2024, held on 4-5 July in Madrid, focused on Europe’s potential reinvention in light of the recent European elections and the French parliamentary election. These events, alongside significant geopolitical shifts in defense, security, trade, green technology, and enlargement, challenged Europe to retool as a hard power in a world of deterrence and derisking. Key discussions addressed how to best defend #Ukraine, stabilize the #MiddleEast, manage strategic interdependence, reduce risks, and establish new relationships with middle powers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. As #Europe navigated these challenges amidst the decisive polls in France and the #UK, the appointment of top EU positions, and the upcoming #NATO summit in Washington, the ECFR Annual Council Meeting aimed to chart a new strategic course for Europe in 2024 and beyond. Watch it on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dk3FKp5F

The European Union

A realistic dimension to foreign policy. The UK setting out in the world under Starmer and Lammy. As the NATO summit begins, a compare and contrast with Blair and Cook, 1997. https://lnkd.in/d9baBJ9V

After a lengthy wait, the US Congress has approved a crucial $7bn funding package for the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. This deal not only ensures vital services for the next two decades but also grants the US military exclusive access to key territories in the North Pacific. Yet, as Meg Keen and I discuss in our new article, there's a bigger challenge ahead. The real test for the US isn't just in finalising these agreements; it’s about engaging more deeply across the Pacific. As China asserts its influence through significant investments and strategic partnerships, the US faces the task of building meaningful relationships that resonate beyond financial contributions. From climate change to regional security, the Pacific demands nuanced and collaborative approaches. It's not just about dollars – it’s about developing partnerships that genuinely meet the diverse needs of Pacific communities. 📖 Read more https://lnkd.in/gQfr9kAp #USPacificRelations #Geopolitics #InternationalAffairs #PacificDiplomacy

🌍 Strengthening Europe’s Resolve: A Call for Unified Action in Foreign Policy and Defense 🌟 In a critical time for European defense and foreign policy, understanding our path forward is more vital than ever. 🇪🇺Dive into our latest opinion piece to explore the pressing need for cohesive EU action, strategic autonomy, and robust support for Ukraine. This compelling analysis not only outlines the challenges but also maps out essential steps towards a stronger, more unified Europe. 🖋️ This opinion piece is authored by Augusto Gonzalez, the Secretary General of Young European Leadership (YEL). With a background in global development and political science, and active involvement in EU's #Y7 and #Y20 processes, Augusto brings a profound understanding of European dynamics and the strategic measures necessary for Europe's autonomy and influence. 🔗 Read the full article to see how Europe can secure its influence and sovereignty on the global stage. - https://lnkd.in/dReDNqX8 💭 Your insights are invaluable - join the conversation in the comments on how we can drive Europe forward together! #EuropeanUnion #ForeignPolicy #DefenseStrategy #StrategicAutonomy #EULeadership #PolicyMaking

In case, this has been missed, here is a real commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)--member nations: the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia! "Today we are announcing a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable our partners in the region to maximize tools provided through IPMDA and other Quad partner initiatives, to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behavior. We look forward to India hosting the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. Furthermore, we welcome the launch of a Quad maritime legal dialogue to support efforts to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Quad partners intend to layer new technology and data into IPMDA over the coming year, to continue to deliver cutting edge capability and information to the region. We are also announcing today that the U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard, plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety, and continuing with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific." https://lnkd.in/e-Ndbvd4

My points EUobserver Piet Ruig: 1) EU Strategic Agenda needs focus 2) Russia's threat justifies emphasis on security. Military spending will not harm climate policy – the planet is not safe without winning the war 3) RU's strategy is to leverage its power as a fossil fuel exporter https://lnkd.in/dvZE-Y_4

Trump vs. Harris in foreign policy. What’s at stake for the EU? The 2 candidates have radically different views of the role of the US in the world, with significant implications for EU foreign policy. Giuseppe Spatafora examines how a Trump or a Harris administration would impact key issues and flashpoints around the world, and the choices the EU will need to make. ➡ Ukraine ➡ #EUDefence & NATO ➡ EU-US relations ➡ China & Indo-Pacific ➡ Israel-Hamas war ➡ Iran ➡ Western Balkans ➡ Energy & climate ➡ Data & artificial intelligence ➡ Political tensions & polarisation 🌐 Explore our interactive map to see to the stakes: https://lnkd.in/ectivAdZ

🌐 Transatlantic Ties & Global Politics following the NATO Summit: A Glimpse into the Future In a world where the political landscape is ever-evolving, recent events have brought significant changes that are shaping the future of international relations: The Transatlantic Relations are at a pivotal point, with new leadership steering the course of history. 🤝 The UK Elections mark a shift in the political dynamics of the country. 🇬🇧 The NATO Summit has put a spotlight on collective defence, with a focus on bolstering Ukrainian Air Defence and member countries' spending. 🛡️ French Politics are in a state of flux, with the parliament divided and the future of political alliances hanging in the balance. 🇫🇷 The war in Ukraine and NATO's strategies are under the microscope, with outcomes potentially hinging on the US Presidential elections and China's stance with Russia. 🌏 These developments are not just news items; they are the markers of our time, influencing policies, economies, and societies across the globe. Follow logos for more insights and discussions on these pivotal topics. #GlobalPolitics #TransatlanticRelations #UKPolitics #NATOSummit #FrenchParliament #FutureTrends

How the tables have turned between Brussels and the critics of irrational, overly optimistic green politics in a span of merely five years... Now the EU and its partners need to collaborate on realistic, secure, and local green development instead of the foregone "EU as the climate pioneer" paradigm. Otherwise, deindustrialization in the EU will continue at its current pace.