About the project

Since its emergence, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the globe. Health systems are straining under an overwhelming demand and a lack of infrastructure and personal protection equipment, while the global economy has taken a severe hit as social distancing and self-quarantine strategies interrupt daily life and prevent commerce.

Europe has become the center of the pandemic as the number of cases grow exponentially across the continent. Given Europe’s complex overlap of governance structures, debates over the needs of Member States versus the jurisdictions of the European Union rage as the situation on the ground worsens. After a rocky start, however, European nations have begun to work together, both at national and EU levels. Will Europe be able to sustain its cooperative measures, or will individual countries peel off looking for independent solutions? What is the role of the EU in a public health crisis, traditionally the remit of Member States? How will a European Commission dedicated to developing a geopolitically-focused EU interact with its neighbors and rivals in this time of crisis, and how will it impact the international system after the virus abates?

This series from the Atlantic Council’s Future Europe Initiative aims to follow these questions by tracking developments in key countries across the continent, and adding expert commentary across topical themes.

Featured events

Featured commentary

Content

Engagement Reframed

Feb 1, 2022

Engagement Reframed #1: Vaccinate the world

By Mathew Burrows, Evan Cooper

The United States can do more to increase vaccination rates around the world, and in doing so help to build a more resilient global health system in which it is a leader.

Africa China

Engagement Reframed

Jan 26, 2022

Engagement Reframed: Introduction

By Robert A. Manning, Christopher Preble

The Biden administration has been slow to distribute surplus COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries in need or to facilitate foreign manufacturing of vaccines, squandering a diplomatic opportunity and potentially endangering US security.

Africa Caribbean

Blog Post

Jan 13, 2022

State of the Order: Assessing December 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Conflict Coronavirus

Blog Post

Dec 16, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing November 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Nov 10, 2021

The 2021 Distinguished Leadership Awards: Celebrating the exceptional individuals meeting today’s extraordinary challenges

By Dan Peleschuk

Singer Dua Lipa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Pfizer's Albert Bourla, and BioNTech's Özlem Türeci and Ugur Sahin earn the Atlantic Council's highest honors for shaping the global future together.

Coronavirus European Union

UkraineAlert

Nov 4, 2021

Ukraine MPs fight back against fake Covid vaccination certificates

By Oleksandra Ustinova

As Ukraine grapples with a mounting Covid-19 death toll and low vaccination rates, the country's MPs aim to adopt tougher regulations targeting the thriving Ukrainian black market for fake vaccination certificates.

Coronavirus Corruption

New Atlanticist

Sep 21, 2021

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton: Trust in the US ‘has been eroded’

By Atlantic Council

Breton outlined developments in the European Union’s vaccination efforts, digital policy agenda, and cooperation with the United States.

Coronavirus Digital Policy

Blog Post

Aug 10, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing July 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Americas China

Blog Post

Jul 10, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing June 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Belarus China

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2021

How Aleksandar Vučić stole the vaccine-diplomacy show

By Dimitar Bechev

By balancing the West, Russia, and China, Serbian authorities have made impressive headway in inoculating their citizens—and using vaccines as a diplomatic tool.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy