Europe Center Research & Reports

The Europe Center conducts research to guide the actions and strategy of key transatlantic decision makers on the issues that will shape the future of the transatlantic relationship.

All in-depth research & reports

Issue Brief

May 29, 2026

Can the EU’s mutual-defense clause replace NATO’s Article 5?

By James Batchik and Katherine Johnson

The European Union's mutual-defense clause, less well-known than NATO's commitment under Article 5 that an attack on one is an attack on all, is receiving new attention in light of questions over the US security commitment to Europe.

European Union NATO

Issue Brief

May 8, 2026

Can Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship survive?

By Phyllis Berry

One year into his chancellorship, Friedrich Merz heads a government beset by economic stagnation, low public approval, and coalition tensions.

Economy & Business Elections

Issue Brief

Apr 9, 2026

Transatlantic cooperation on AI and national security

By Antonio Calcara

AI and its linkages with national security will play a key role in transatlantic relations. But absent more structured cooperation, the United States and the European Union risk drifting further apart on AI policy.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy

Issue Brief

Mar 25, 2026

Negotiating an EU-US biometric information-sharing agreement

By Kenneth Propp

Amid tensions between the US and Europe over trade, tech, and now the war in Iran, Washington and Brussels are negotiating over the US Department of Homeland Security’s request for access to European biometric data. What does each side want—and what is achievable?

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Report

Jan 14, 2026

Digital sovereignty: Europe’s declaration of independence?

By Frances Burwell, Kenneth Propp

In Brussels, "digital sovereignty" may be the new "strategic autonomy": a push for Europe to go its own way and depend less on the United States. As US tech companies and EU regulators clash, catch up on a policy debate with consequences playing out online and in the halls of power.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jan 14, 2026

Transatlantic cooperation on protecting minors online

By Michèle Ledger

There is widespread agreement among US and EU officials on the need to protect children online. US-EU dialogue on areas of commonality could facilitate a more efficient rollout of services and technologies to protect users.

Digital Policy European Union

Report

Dec 19, 2025

Enhancing land military mobility in Europe: Advocating a pragmatic approach

By Clément Gaubert, Freddy Geay, François Catala, and Léonie Allard

Solving the challenges of military mobility in Europe requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society perspective. Given the geopolitical climate, Europe should move quickly on this most pressing issues for the North Atlantic Alliance.

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy
Reporters faced risks covering the Bosnian war.

The Big Story

Dec 11, 2025

Bosnia’s forgotten war is still with us

By Thom Shanker

Fewer than fifty years after the end of World War II, genocide returned to Europe in Bosnia. The carnage ended on December 14, 1995, with the signing of the US-brokered Dayton Accords. Thirty years on, have the war's lessons—for Europe; for diplomacy, humanitarian intervention, and more—been heeded?

Conflict NATO

Issue Brief

Dec 4, 2025

Improving transatlantic cooperation on digital competition

By Zach Meyers

Greater dialogue between US and EU regulators would reveal similar priorities on digital competition, mergers, and antitrust issues, and could lead to greater alignment on key digital competition issues.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Germany’s policy on China: From win-win to strategic competition

By Valbona Zeneli

Germany’s China policy has shifted from economic optimism to cautious competition—balancing trade interests with mounting security concerns. Once built on deep interdependence, Berlin now prioritizes “de-risking” and resilience in its approach to Beijing.

China Economy & Business