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Eye on Europe's elections

May 29, 2025

Your primer on the Polish presidential election

By Aaron Korewa

Poland will vote for its next president on June 1. These elections could kick off a period of political stability—or further cement a gridlock that could lead to the government collapsing.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 29, 2025

It is Europe’s time to shine on IMEC 

By Rachel Rizzo and Nicholas Shafer

The proposed corridor could reshape connectivity and trade throughout the globe. Europeans should jump at the opportunity to move it forward.

European Union India

New Atlanticist

May 27, 2025

British ambassador to the US: The UK must ‘become less dependent on America, while remaining inseparably linked’

By Peter Mandelson

In speaking at the Atlantic Council's 2025 Christopher J. Makins Lecture, Peter Mandelson outlined how the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe can foster peace through military, economic, and technological strength.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

May 22, 2025

The case for a Three Seas Defense Innovation Hub

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

Because of increasing threats to critical energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, the Three Seas Initiative should add defense innovation as another pillar of its mission.

Central Europe Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2025

Europe is striking back at Russia’s shadow fleet. Here’s what to know about the latest EU and UK sanctions.

By Atlantic Council experts

This week, Brussels and London unveiled new sanctions against Russia and the fleet of oil tankers and other vessels covertly trading in Russian oil. Atlantic Council experts assess the moves.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2025

Golden Dome creates a new missile defense bargain with US partners

By Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

As it works toward realizing its Golden Dome initiative, the Trump administration should hold a revived missile defense dialogue with its allies and partners in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Europe & Eurasia Indo-Pacific

Report

May 20, 2025

The European Union Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: A reality test for EU enlargement

By Valbona Zeneli, Richard Grieveson, Isabelle Ioannides, Dimitar Bechev

EU enlargement faces a test case in the Western Balkans. The current plan offers real benefits before accession, creating incentives for reform, but questions of enforceability and the relatively low amount of financial support threaten the success of the EU's political influence in the region.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2025

Portugal’s shift to the right is accelerating. What does that mean for its future?

By Andrew Bernard

The center-right Democratic Alliance won the May 18 election, while the far-right Chega party continued its rise. With the main center-left party losing seats, there is now an absolute majority on the right.

Elections European Union

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2025

Experts react: What message did Romanians send by electing Nicusor Dan?

By Atlantic Council experts

The mathematician and mayor of Bucharest came out ahead of his right-wing rival on May 18. Atlantic Council experts sum up the election results and the implications.

Eastern Europe Elections

Fast Thinking

May 18, 2025

Why Romania chose centrism in the end

By Atlantic Council

Following Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan's election win, our experts give their takes on what to expect next for Romania and for the country's relations with the world.

Corruption Eastern Europe

Events